Flyladies of the CC!!!

[Hello Kitty]

Missions for the Week (current zone) (http://www.flylady.net/pages/FlightPlan_Missions.asp)


Anyone care to start up again?

For those of you who don't know, you can learn all about being a flylady on this site: www.flylady.net

I'm hoping that we can use this to keep each other motivated, and share tips on modifying routines for people that work out of the home, or people that want their DH's to get involved with housework too. ;)

Member List
Name: Kat (SEB'S KITTY)
Flying since: on and off for 2 yrs
Size of home: 1100 SF
Work: WAH 4 days/wk

Name: Janna (JRPAGV)
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 1632 SF + garage
Work: Currently SAHW

Name: Andrea (UDWSWEETPEA)
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 1209 sq. feet
Work: serving three nights a week at WDW

Name: Janel (CITRUS 619)
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 1549 sq. feet
Work: FT 40+ and a 2 hour r/t commute daily

name - Paige (ARDATHPAIGE)
flying since - 6/29/05
job - engineer working 40/wk but a flex schedule
commute - 15-20 in the am and atleast 30 at night, so i stay until 6:30-7pm so i'm not driving as much

Name: Amy (YOUNG LIONESS)
Flying since: on and off since January 2004
Size of home: 1000 SF
Work: landscape architect - 40 h/week, and soon to be grad student - class 3 nights per week

Name: Renee (TX SWEETHEART)
Flying Since: off & on since September 2002
Size of Home: 775 SF (apartment)
Work: SAHW, going back to school in the fall

Name:
Heather(SEAPOD)
Flying since: November 2004
Size of home: 1500 sf
Job: fulltime 40 hr/week+ volunteer at church and at red cross

Name: Ivette (ADAMSEVE)
Flying since: 06.29.05
Size of home: 1150 sf
Job: Full-time grad student with full but flexible schedule/PT job
Other: DH travels for work about 60% of the year

Name: Rebecca (PHOTOBUG)
Flying Since: (on and off) from sometime in 2003
Work: 40 hrs + rehearsal 3 nights a week for 2.5-3 hours

Name: Melissa (MES in Chicago)
Home: 1200sf
Work: Accountant going into year end so 60 hrs/wk
Husband: Freelance graphic designer, very helpful around the house
Pug: to be added July 9!

Name: Katy (KATY)
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 800 or so sq. feet
Work: school, this site, starting my own business
Pets: one dog, one cat
Help: none

Name: Heidi (HEIDI9771)
Flying since: 7/01/05
Size of home: 2450 sq ft
Work: Full time, Online Marketing Manager

Name: KJ (KJH924)
Flying Since: July 12, 2005
Size of Home: Currently 850 SF Apartment; soon-to-be in 1700 SF house + Garage.
Work: Currently 3 days/week; soon-to-be SAHW.
Pets: Bailey & Macaroni - 2 cats

Name: Juliana (Juliana)
Flying since: 7/12/05
Size of home: 1000 sq. foot townhouse w/garage
Work: 40 hrs/week
Pets: 2 cats

Name: Joanne (CTJO)
Flying since: 8/03
Size of home: 1700 Sq Ft.
Work: 40 hrs/week plus 2 hour commute ( )
Pets: n/a

Name: Julie (ISIGN)
House: 1100ft 2br apt
FLYing since: July 05
Work: Job searching .

Name: Heather (angelraven)
Flying since: 7/07/05
Size of home: 1500 SF plus cluttered garage and scary basement
Work: SAHW and student

ME: I'm Lindsey (LYNZEYAHL)
DH Dan
Flying since 7/05
Size of home: Currently have 1000 sq ft 3 Br Apt
PETS: 3 cats
Work: FT over 40 hours a week with no set schedule DH soon to be 45 hrs plus 1.5 hour commute.
Help: none, just the two of us

Name: Colleen (PRNCESS BUTTERCUP)
Flying since: 7/1/05, although I've been getting the emails for a year or so. I'm hoping you ladies will help me keep my butt in gear!
Size of home: 900 sq. ft.
Work: teacher, graduate student (on summer vacation from teaching - now tutoring)
Pets: none
Help: none

Name: Jill (JillyBean)
Flying since: 7/01/05
Size of home: 1000 sq. feet
Work: Currently a SAHW (will be attending grad school in the fall)
Pets: One dog (pug)

Name: Kate (KATES)
Flying since: 7/3/05
Size of home: 1600 sq. ft.
Work: SAHM

Name: Aletheia (ALETHEIA)
Flying since: 3/15/05
Size of home: 1800 sq. ft.
Work: full-time graduate student (9 credits + teaching 2 sections of 25); 3 hour drive each way weekly to get to school and then back to hubby.
Pets: Cat-hair manufacturer, MacKenzie

Name: Ani (ANI)
Flying since: April 2002
Size of home: 800 sq. feet
Work: full time student

Name: Katherine (KATMG)
Flying Since: Um, never?
Size of Home: 2000 sf
Work: 40 hours a week plus commuting
Help: Yes - housekeeper 2x a month
Pets: 1 large weimaraner (Beau)

(thru p 9)

[Hello Kitty]

Getting Started

For Beginners (http://www.flylady.net/pages/FLYingLessons.asp)
Regular Weekly Cleaning (http://www.flylady.net/pages/FLYingLessons_Routines.asp#basic)
Downloadable Control Journal (http://www.flylady.net/pages/control_journals.asp)
Zone Work (http://www.flylady.net/pages/FlightPlan.asp)

[Hello Kitty]

We are in the Living Room this week. I'll do the zone cleaning on Friday, and the weekly cleaning on Sunday.

The LR for me is pretty easy, as we have it set up semi-formally. So it stays pretty neat. I'm glad I'm starting back up on an easier week, not the Kitchen - ugghh!

[citrus619]

I just went to the website and signed up. I love it! I was laying in bed last night so fustrated that I can't seem to ever get anything done around the house and I have a "things to do list" that is a mile long and I just keep procrastinating. You read my mind when you posted this! I am so excited.
I am stalking my email for my "Welcome Letter".

[isign]

I just joined too :)

[young lioness]

I need to get back into it again.

I will be starting school in the fall (and still working), and need to get my system back in place. I'll need more of a routine, and more help from DH. He's better with helping if I just tell him what to do rather than expect him to figure out what needs to be done and do it on his own. The checklists are a lifesaver!

[Rico'sAlice]

Some ladies in my Bible Study turned me onto FlyLady and I think it is an amazing way to do things. I foloowed it for a few months and the improvement in my home was great. Dh was so happy. However, due to a move, remodeling, and overload at work I totally dropped it. Hopefully I can be encouraged to get back into it.

[udsweetpea]

I joined months ago, and I'm getting the emails, but I have yet to start. Maybe this thread will motivate me! Thanks for starting this!

[JRPAGV]

I'd like to give it a try! I might fail miserably, but I'll give it a try! ;)

Name: Janna
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 1632 SF + garage
Work: Currently SAHW

[udsweetpea]

Forgot to introduce myself as a FlyLady

Name: Andrea
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 1209 sq. feet
Work: serving three nights a week at WDW

[Camdynlyn]

I am not sure if I want to join yet but there is a WHOLE MSN group dedicated to this and there is a bunch of teachers that do Flying in their classroom. Kinda neat, just wanted to point that out to those teachers.

[Hello Kitty]

Welcome! I hope that we can all keep this going, and keep tabs on each other. I think most of us aren't the traditional SAHM they market too, but hopefully we can find ways to make it work for each other.

YoungLioness - ITA! I keep the zone cleaning on the fridge, and so I let DH pick a few things to take care of while we're in the current zone. Boys do well with lists.

Rico's Alice - we moved too and I got sooo out of things. But now that we're finally settled, I'm hoping to start back up again.

[citrus619]

I forgot to introduce myself after joining:

Name: Janel
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 1549 sq. feet
Work: FT 40+ and a 2 hour r/t commute daily

[paiger]

i just joined. i think i'm really going to love this as i am addicted to making lists, b/c i love checking things off! i am a really organized person, but sometimes our apartment gets away from me. then, when i clean (w/ my list for day to day chores), i kill myself to get it all done. i will love getting it done a little at a time, so then when i deep clean for houseguests it won't be such a chore!

about me:
name - Paige
flying since - 6/29/05
job - engineer working 40/wk but a flex schedule
commute - 15-20 in the am and atleast 30 at night, so i stay until 6:30-7pm so i'm not driving as much

[young lioness]

I forgot to introduce myself too...

Name: Amy
Flying since: on and off since January 2004
Size of home: 1000 SF
Work: landscape architect - 40 h/week, and soon to be grad student - class 3 nights per week

[TX Sweetheart]

I'm in! I need to get back into it... our apartment is a wreck...

Name: Renee
Flying Since: off & on since September 2002
Size of Home: 775 SF (apartment)
Work: SAHW, going back to school in the fall

[seapod]

Include me: I was doing it in March and April but have had a horrendouse May and June... July won't be much better :( but it's all about the baby steps right? :)

Name:
Heather
Flying since: November 2004
Size of home: 1500 sf
Job: fulltime 40 hr/week+ volunteer at church and at red cross.

[adamseve]

This is perfect! My husband and I had made a date to fill out our home calendar this weekend ... what great timing to find this thread.

Name: Ivette
Flying since: 06.29.05
Size of home: 1150 sf
Job: Full-time grad student with full but flexible schedule/PT job
Other: DH travels for work about 60% of the year

[Photobug]

Count me in! We also moved recently and I have not been doing my routines since - I've been making excuses and WHINING about unpacked boxes. :eek: This thread has inspired me to get back to it!

Name: Rebecca
Flying Since: (on and off) from sometime in 2003
Work: 40 hrs + rehearsal 3 nights a week for 2.5-3 hours.

[mrsdrummer]

My cousin e-mailed this to me, Thought i'd pass it along to y'all

In this issue - an exclusive interview with household appliances and
products who claim "FlyLady is Ruining Our Lives!"

Our very own Justine Justice recently interviewed this group of South
Jersey home appliances who say this mysterious FlyLady is ruining
their way of life. Following is a transcript of that interview:

Justine: Tell us about the abuse you've been suffering.

Dishwasher: Well, I used to get six days of rest. I believe it was
in my contract. Now it's run, run, run! Every day I'm washing
dishes! I feel like a slave!

Kitchen Sink: I am SO lonely! I used to be full of dishes and
sometimes even leftover food, now I'm constantly empty! I feel so
alone! And if I get sprayed with Windex one more time I'll scream!

Justine: Horrors! When did the abuse begin?

Dishwasher: A few months ago. Computer tells us that the Lady of
our house has been receiving e-mails from this "FlyLady" person. It
seems our workload has steadily increased since these e-mails began.

Refrigerator: I'm not even allowed to do science experiments any
more. At least once a week they clean me out - nothing has a chance
to grow!

Trash Can: I know what you mean. I used to be so smelly and full
of good garbage. Now my bag is changed once a day and I'm almost
*blushing* FRESH!

Justine: Unbelievable! Can't this woman be stopped?

Recycling Can: NO! She's even got the kids in on it! The three
year old keeps filling me with empty bottles and cans.

Kitchen Floor: If the seven year old sweeps me one more time I'm
gonna cry!

Paper Shredder: It's not just in the kitchen! I used to sit idle
for weeks, even months, it was great! Now every day I'm shredding
papers! It's exhausting! Her husband is even helping her! It's INSANE!

Vacuum: I was only pulled out when she was in hyper-cleaning mode.
The furniture would get moved and I'd go into action. Now I'm
sucking dirt off the middle of the carpets at least once a week -
sometimes even the laminate floors! I'm exhausted!

Justine: You poor things. Who IS this FlyLady?

Computer: We don't know, but I'll tell you one thing. The
checkbook is BALANCED! No more surprises. No more "Oops I forgot
again" late fees. It's SO boring.

Bookshelf: I've heard rumors that the library budget is suffering
since she's not paying fines anymore.

Toilet: Most of the germs have already moved away. She cleans me
so darn much and she's even letting visitors use me! I used to be
hidden in my secluded little bathroom and now the door is kept OPEN
for all to see. I'm not a social butterfly! I can't stand this!

Television: I don't know why you all complain about getting turned
on - I keep getting turned OFF! What good am I if I'm not allowed to
run? Those children are happier, calmer, they're playing, and picking
up their toys. The whole family seems to be happy - it's Madness!

Laundry Basket: Don't forget me! I'm in constant motion! Full,
empty, full, empty - back and forth to the washing machine. I even
heard the children always have clean clothes to wear and the husband
hasn't had to dig through me for clean underwear in months!

Dishwasher: We MUST do something to stop her!

Refrigerator: She can't be stopped! She has taken CONTROL! And
she was so sneaky about it - 15 minutes here, 15 minutes there.......

Shelves: Things haven't been the same since that Feather Duster guy
moved in!

Computer: Plus she's got the suport of this FlyLady and 250,000
other FlyBabies behind her. Face it guys, the situation is hopeless!

Justine: WOW! You heard it here first! Who is this FlyLady?
Rumor has it the same thing is happening in homes all across the
nation and even the WORLD! This has been Justine Justice reporting.
Thanks for reading!

[Paperweight]

Me, Me, Me! I'm a flybaby too. Can't remember when I joined (well over a year ago) but it's helped me so much. I don't do all the zones. Maybe if I had kids it would help me but with just me and the hubby I can keep up using my own routines.

It's funny how the shiny sink really works.

We're downsizing to a much smaller house and I've been trying to declutter but I'm honestly not finding much to ditch. I just don't have "stuff".

I love it!

[TX Sweetheart]

LOL that's cute! I remember reading one once from pets that wrote letters to FlyLady, some complaining but most praising... it was so adorable LOL

[Hello Kitty]

I'll update the list either tonight or tomorrow - just have been busy working! :rolleyes: It's so great to see so many here - I really want to stick with it this time around.

[EmilyZA]

I just joined. I had looked into this a while ago, and figure it's a good time to start. We have a small apartment, which includes 2 rooms that don't even have furniture... so it's not super overwhelming at this point, but I figured if I come up with a system now it will be helpful when it does become overwhelming. Plus, my husband is a neat freak and is constantly cleaning and I always feel like a lazy bum... maybe if I have a system, I'll impress him! :)

[MES in Chicago]

I am going to try this too. We are moving tomorrow...needed a break from packing...and once all the boxes are unpacked this weekend I am going to give it a try.

Name: Melissa
Home: 1200sf
Work: Accountant going into year end so 60 hrs/wk
Husband: Freelance graphic designer, very helpful around the house
Pug: to be added July 9!

[Katy]

I'll bite, mostly because I think I need some accountability in my life...

Name: Katy
Flying since: 6/29/05
Size of home: 800 or so sq. feet
Work: school, this site, starting my own business
Pets: one dog, one cat
Help: none

PS - since this is going to shape up and turn into a group, we might find a new home shortly (just a heads up - too tired to do it now)

[eponymous]

Anyone else interested in a Fly Lady group? I found her website through That Other Place and found it extremely helpful. I've fallen off the flywagon and could use some support climbing back on!

FlyLady! (http://www.flylady.net/)

The current zone, as of tomorrow, is Zone 1: Entrance, Front Porch, and Dining Room.

Don't forget: you are not behind! (Yeah right - I'm so behind! :eek: )

[Heidi9771]

Goodness I need this thread. I am desperate for a system to get organized!

Name: Heidi
Flying since: 7/01/05
Size of home: 2450 sq ft
Work: Full time, Online Marketing Manager

[dragonfly28602]

I subscribed... I'm always looking for ways to keep organized. Luckily the BF is very organized, or else I would be a mess!

[TX Sweetheart]

Seb's Kitty started a group here: http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=745 if y'all wanna join with us :)

[Hello Kitty]

Katy - I like that there is a home group section, that way it doesn't get lost in a million other threads. :)

So I've been slowly trying to get back into my daily routine, and I've found getting up just a little earlier makes a huge difference. It gives me time to get the house straightened a little bit or work out, so I can focus on working the rest of the day.

How do you all get your emails? Right now I'm signed up for the daily digest, but I don't think I like it. I think I may go back to the individual emails, with my mailbox set to filter out the ones I don't read (yeah, I'm a rebel ;))

[eponymous]

Name: kitlyn
House: 2000 sq feet
FLYing since: Jan 05
Work: full-time graduate student + 20 hour paid job + full-time athlete
ETA: nearly two hour commute each day

[eponymous]

How did I miss that?!?! Anyway, I will delete this thread in a couple of days.

[EmilyZA]

I subscribed to the FlyLady Yahoo group last night, and received a confirmation, but no message/email or anything like that yet. Should I receive something?

[PrincessButrcup]

Name: Colleen
Flying since: 7/1/05, although I've been getting the emails for a year or so. I'm hoping you ladies will help me keep my butt in gear! ;)
Size of home: 900 sq. ft.
Work: teacher, graduate student (on summer vacation from teaching - now tutoring)
Pets: none
Help: none

[TX Sweetheart]

I subscribed to the FlyLady Yahoo group last night, and received a confirmation, but no message/email or anything like that yet. Should I receive something?

You will soon... sometimes it takes a bit to get it started, especially since it's Yahoo....

[Hello Kitty]

EmilyZA - you might also want to check your mail folder - esp if you have any kind of junk or spam filters on there.

I think what I'll do each week is post the current zone and it's missions (via link of course) as the 1st post in the thread. That way it will be just a quick click to see what we should be doing, and then we can get to posting/encouraging each other. Sound ok?

[JillyBean]

I'm going to give this another try. I joined a while back, but never really kept up with it. I'm not working right now, so I really don't have an excuse as to why our apartment is dirty. So here's my info:

Name: Jill (JillyBean)
Flying since: 7/01/05
Size of home: 1000 sq. feet
Work: Currently a SAHW (will be attending grad school in the fall)
Pets: One dog (pug)

[Aletheia]

Hi Kitlyn! I'm just saying hi, and letting you know I fell off my Flywagon too. :( I'm eager to get back on it- it's just my academic life was a shambles. It's getting better!

[miel]

I'm not a fly lady yet but we just bought a home and we live in squalor...so I was hoping that I could turn over a new leaf in my new home...

Can I join up?

[Kates]

Can I join?
I just spent an entire Saturday cleaning our bedroom and it's still a mess.... I need help :D

Name: Kate
Flying since: 7/3/05
Size of home: 1600 sq. ft.
Work: SAHM

[Aletheia]

Name: Aletheia
Flying since: 3/15/05
Size of home: 1800 sq. ft.
Work: full-time graduate student (9 credits + teaching 2 sections of 25); 3 hour drive each way weekly to get to school and then back to hubby.
Pets: Cat-hair manufacturer, MacKenzie

Hi ladies-
I fell off the flylady truck when I discovered I was using flylady as an excuse to procrastinate doing my academic work. :) Now I want to get back on, but I need some help. Could you all share with me how much time per day or week you spend on flylady chores? I'm interested in however much detail about your flylady schedule you are willing to give me as I ponder how to incorporate it into my life. I really need to start flinging belongings as we will be moving this time next year... 3,000 miles. So how much time per day or week do you spend on flylady activities, and do you do anything systematically?
Thanks for any help you might give me! :D

[ani]

Ohh I wanna join too! I've been flyin' for years and I always heard about the groups but never joined one.

Aletheia -- I do a morning routine which is only 7 minutes longer than making myself get showered/dressed. Plus 30 min "cleaning" and about 3 days a week I do an extra 15 minutes on some job that I realize hasn't quite made it into my weekly/monthly plan. I know my apartment isn't huge but still I don't think you should be spending TOO much more time than that...
I'm not sure what you mean by doing things systematically.. I definitly have routines and a daily/weekly plan if that's it..

Name: Ani
Flying since: April 2002
Size of home: 800 sq. feet
Work: full time student

[katmg]

I'm interested in this. I joined flylady for a while but just got too overwhelmed. I found it hard to manage working and flying.

I too would love tips for incorporating this into daily life. Some sort of routine/schedule that you find helpful? Maybe you could post what you do each day?

Tonight (b/c the maid is coming tomorrow) I'm going to empty the dishwasher, fold laundry, and clear two hotspots.

Name: Katherine
Flying Since: Um, never?
Size of Home: 2000 sf
Work: 40 hours a week plus commuting
Help: Yes - housekeeper 2x a month :o
Pets: 1 large weimaraner (Beau)

[PrincessButrcup]

This may be a stupid question.... but, katmg what exactly is a weimaraner?

I'm guessing some sort of dog?

[Heidi9771]

Question...anyone have a house keeper? As I mentioned before, I work full time.

So, I have someone come a few times a month to help with the "deep cleaning" that I can't make the time for...

I am thinking of cutting back to 1x a month and the fly system has never been more important than ever!

[Hello Kitty]

Weimereiner (sp) - they're pretty!

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:hLWovHbp47IJ:www.bapfish.freeuk.com/dogs/sara.jpeg

Heidi - the whole thing with Flylady (and there was an email on it yesterday) is that once you've been doing it for awhile, your house will never need an overhaul or deep clean. By doing the weekly cleaning routine, and working in your zone each week (esp the missions) you should be able to retire your housekeeper. :eek:


As far as time/routines go, even though I WFH, I work the whole time so it's kind of like WOH. Here are my routines:

AM - get up, put away dishes from night before, swipe counter, get dressed

PM - scan vertical surfaces, file mail, get ready for bed, maybe a mission

Sunday - do weekly home blessing (aka cleaning), plan menus, finish missions for zone

We do laundry periodically - every other week or so? I don't think the system takes much time out of our lives - we came from an apartment that I decluttered, and haven't bought very much new stuff since, so we're about as spartan as we can be. Makes it really easy to follow.

[Natasha]

Ohhh, once we move I will soooooo be here! YAY, I need somehting like this!

[angelraven]

I just joined! I'm hoping to get into some sort of routine so that my house will be clean on a consistent basis instead of just a few days a month, which really bugs me since I'm not currently working outside the home. I get burnt out from all the cleaning when I try to just do one weekly cleaning. Hopefully learning to split things up will help with that. Here are my stats:

Name: Heather (angelrave)
Flying since: 7/07/05
Size of home: 1500 SF plus cluttered garage and scary basement
Work: SAHW and student

[katmg]

PrincessButrcup - Seb's Kitty is right. A weimaraner is a dog. Here's a picture of ours.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d825b3127cce9bb35515fd2b00000025108AatWbJw3btN

Heidi - I have a housekeeper. She came yesterday actually. She comes every 2 weeks. DH and I tried to go without for awhile but we just couldn't make it work. I'm hoping that using the fly-system will enable us to have her to deep cleaning.

[domesticdreamer]

I have to move out of my teacherage rental and have a ginormous yard sale.................then I'll fly with you ladies when I've successfully merged my stuff into the home DH and I share! I'm excited! A system will be wonderful!!!!

[angelraven]

Today has been my first day on the system and so far it's allowed me to get a lot more accomplished even though it hasn't been that much work! Plus, I like my clean sink. :)

[LynzeyAHL]

Already had the attack plan just using the fly to keep me on it. DH could be getting him a job that takes him away from home 4 full days a week (ie staying with his parents over an hour away) and we wanted to get a system in place to help us keep our house clean so that when he comes home for his 3 nights and 2 days that's not all we have to focus on.

ME: I'm Lindsey
DH Dan
Flying since 7/05
Size of home: Currently have 1000 sq ft 3 Br Apt
PETS: 3 cats
Work: FT over 40 hours a week with no set schedule DH soon to be 45 hrs plus 1.5 hour commute.
Help: none, just the two of us

[Aletheia]

Unlike Lynzey, and a couple others who have posted, if my DH knew about Flylady he might either
a) die laughing, or
b) make fun of me at least until our 50th wedding anniversary

And this from a man who insists "just one more" when we watch the Pride and Prejudice mini-series! I don't know. His sensitive side is more like a streak that is wide in places and nearly non-existent in others.

Anyway. Today I convinced him (read: finagled him) into helping me clean the house by describing the Home Blessing Tour to him without, God help us, using that name. And...

IT WORKED. :D :eek:

Ladies, for 40 minutes we each did separate tasks on a little checklist in accordance with my flylady timer. IT WORKED! He hasn't cleaned anything in this house since my mom came to visit two years ago and I didn't have enough time to finish! But today we cleaned together. I think he secretly loved the timer- it meant that there was an end in sight, LOL! When he asked, "what if I'm not done when the timer goes off?" and I said, "too bad, bucko- you have to move on" he got this little grin on his face. "Really?" And ten minutes turns out to be long enough to do just about each item.

And so I am sitting here working (ok, i'm not working *right* now) in a more-clean-than-dirty house -- and the 10 minutes he used to "purge his paperwork" means there is even desk space for my books!

Sorry this was so long. I simply cannot contain myself (if you couldn't tell.) :D

[EmilyZA]

I STILL have not received anything since signing up on the Flylady website. Have any emails gone out recently?

[TX Sweetheart]

Emily, have you looked in your junk mail folder? Yes there have been a ton of e-mails... there's at least 10-15 per day! I don't read most of 'em though...

[EmilyZA]

I have been checking there and I'm still not getting anything! :(

[TX Sweetheart]

huh... that's odd... what exact steps did you take to join? maybe you didn't complete a step? I dunno... when I joined, I started gettin' e-mails right away...

[LynzeyAHL]

Unlike Lynzey, and a couple others who have posted, if my DH knew about Flylady he might either
a) die laughing, or
b) make fun of me at least until our 50th wedding anniversary

Oh I'd get the same we don't follow it exactly to a T but he does his share and I keep the house blessing to myself to avoid both A and B b/c I prefer C none of the above!

haha
:D

[EmilyZA]

I must have done something wrong the first time, because I tried signing up again and this time it worked!

How did all of you start off? At a slow pace, or did you jump right in?

[Hello Kitty]

Emily - you basically start with baby steps - really work at getting small morning and evening routines in place. Here is a great checklist:

http://www.flylady.net/pages/FLYingLessons.asp

I guess when I started, I focused more on the how to get my house clean stuff than I did with my actual routines and following her emails. This time around, I've worked at getting short routines together, and following the emails. I think it will be easier to stick with this time around because of that.

Aletheia - that's so great that the system is working for you & your DH too! We did the same thing in the past (when we were both home to do it) and it worked great.

Question - does anyone know (or have an idea) how you could modify the system if you're not receiving the emails? I know one option would be to get the book, but I'm wondering if I couldn't print some stuff off the website.

My mom and SIL always (*$%6 about the state of their house, and it depresses me because I have found it so easy to keep our house neat and clean by FLYing. I would love to share this with them, but I don't know what I could print out without it being overwhelming, but also giving enough info. :confused:

[Juliana]

I just saw these posts and decided to become a fly-lady too! Hope you don't mind me joing you a few days late. I think this is exactly what I need as I can't seem to get motivated to maintain a clean house during the week, and then end up cleaning like a maniac for a few hours on Sat. or Sun. Also, DH and I are planning to move from Oregon back to Boston in a few months, and we need all the help we can get in the decluttering department!!

Name: Juliana
Flying since: 7/12/05
Size of home: 1000 sq. foot townhouse w/garage
Work: 40 hrs/week
Pets: 2 cats

[ctjo]

Oooooooh - can I join this group too? I've been flying - well fluttering more like it, since about 8/03 or so..

Here's my info:
Name: Joanne
Flying since: 8/03
Size of home: 1700 Sq Ft.
Work: 40 hrs/week plus 2 hour commute ( :eek: )
Pets: n/a

I usually try to break up my Home Blessing Hour into tasks for every night of the week - sometimes they get pushed to the weekend. I recently got a timer - that really helps! Most of the missions take me far less that 15 minutes. I'm usually pretty beat by the time I get home - but like she says - you can do anything for 15 minutes :)

[isign]

I've nosed around a bit and I think I'm going to start this too :)
Name: Julie
House: 1100ft 2br apt
FLYing since: July 05
Work: Job searching .

Our MAJOR issue is that DH isnt' very good at cleaning up and I get frustrated because as soon as it's clean, it's messy. It doesn't bother him to let his work buddies come over when it's horrible, but I hate it. He works 60-70 hours a week and seems to think that b/c I don't work (when I did it was less hours than him) as much as he does that it's fine for me to stay at home and clean.

[Hello Kitty]

It's great we have so many new people - I'll update our list on my lunch break.

Do you thing we should do anything like checking in once a week? I was thinking maybe you could post if you completed the week (you know to the best of your ability and circumstances, etc...) and I would update that by your name. That way maybe we can encourage each other more to get stuff done. Thoughts?

[Katy]

Our MAJOR issue is that DH isnt' very good at cleaning up and I get frustrated because as soon as it's clean, it's messy. It doesn't bother him to let his work buddies come over when it's horrible, but I hate it. He works 60-70 hours a week and seems to think that b/c I don't work (when I did it was less hours than him) as much as he does that it's fine for me to stay at home and clean.

yes, I know *exactly* what you're talking about, sadly. My hubby works non-stop - though most of that is his choice to bring his work home with him - and doesn't help around the house unless I'm desparate or pitch a HUGE fit. But it cracks me up how every once in a while (very rarely) he'll comment about something like - so and so is coming over, did you clean the bathroom? - yet most of the mess is him!

I also got over the weekend, "the cat pooped outside the box, he must not feel well." To which I responded, "did you pick it up?" (We'd been up for like four hours already and I picked it up immediately when I saw it). What did he respond? "no" Now I love our cat, but I should point out that it's HIS cat and he's emptied the litter box MAYBE five times in 2.5 years!

On one hand, it drives me crazy, but on the other hand, I've allowed it.

[isign]

I'm glad someone else understands. I do feel like I've allowed it, because I wanted to be 'super Martha' but I'm not and I can't, and now I won't. How do I change it? We really have had arguments over this. We almost had one at a wedding because I told him he couldn't invite people over, even if it is just my brother and his girlfriend.

One 1 hand I feel bad because I am job searching right now and he doesn't have very much off time and I know he's really tired, but on the other, I make things very easy for him, and he still doesn't help. My laundry area is organized - I have 4 bags and even put up signs but for some reason everything is piled right next to the hampers. Getting ready for the hurricane I spent an entire day washing almost everything we own, and folded, but where is - in the livingroom

How in the world do I change this? I am starting to adopt a new policy - if it's not in the hamper I'm not washing it. Maybe a few days w/out clean drawers will get his attention! :)

[ctjo]

isgn - I totally did your laundry policy and it worked! Good luck!

[Janey]

I soooo need to join! Clutter is taking over. B works 60-70 hours/week. I work 3 days week at my office, and 4 days/week on our remodel ... but I feel like B does more housework than I do at this point, and I hate that feeling! I'm hoping the Flylady System will help me get things into check.

Name: KJ
Flying Since: July 12, 2005
Size of Home: Currently 850 SF Apartment; soon-to-be in 1700 SF house + Garage.
Work: Currently 3 days/week; soon-to-be SAHW.
Pets: Bailey & Macaroni - 2 cats

[isign]

isgn - I totally did your laundry policy and it worked! Good luck!

I am starting it today. I will let him know tonight! :)

[luckymommy]

I've been flying for almost 3 years now and would love to join the group.

My name is Renee and I'm an at home mom. I have a 22 month old and a 5 week old.

[Katy]

Julie,

I don't have any advice. I just basically say stuff, like "I hate when this place is such a mess", but let's be honest, that's nothing more than nagging. What usually gets him in gear, or gets it done, is when I say soandso is coming over and we need to spend the whole weekend cleaning (or get a service). He hates to clean SO much, he goes for the service. And sometimes I just let the dishes pile up and say "your turn to do the dishes". But that's really it.

Since I'm not really working, I feel like I don't have the "right" to say anything. But now I've got a bit more control over things again, so it's not too bad. As for laundry, I take all his work shirts to the dry cleaners to get done (expense be damned!) and just wash the regular stuff. We (ha! I) have to use a laundromat and it's cut down my washing to only about 3 loads every two weeks (again, though I'm not working, so I'll slob around in the same shirt/shorts/jeans for a couple days and just put on something "clean" when I'm out in public) I think your laundry plan just might work though.

[paiger]

We are forever working on his helping. I make DH lists. He knows that if he doesn't get what is on his list done there is hell to pay. I was VERY vocal that this will be an even housework household (as both my parents and his parents it is 100% the mom), but I still do the majority of the work. However, I don't trust him w/ some stuff, b/c I feel that I clean better (just a bit cleaning OCD). But, when I'm working 40hrs/week, and he is a student w/ more flexible hours I expect a lot from him. We've had some serious blow-outs over company including his going out w/ friends while I clean for guests (his parents), and his not helping enough, still. It came down to me saying we were NEVER having company again, b/c he doesn't help. I do nag. I know it, but at least by gosh, his shit is going to be done.

I will give him credit that he is getting better. I make comments about how 'no, i'm not going out for a beer after work b/c i have so much to do around the apartment.' When I come home from work, he has come home early from school to get his usual stuff done, etc so that he has helped with a good share before he meets his friends. He also definitely helps more when we he wants to have people over. We still have a ways before it is as even as I would like, and there will be a whole new fight when he gets his professorship after he finishes his PhD. but, that's why i'm starting early with my 'requirements', and it has helped!

[Aletheia]

I have been on a silent war path for the last several months to get my DH to wise up about his slovenly ways. Here are my notes-- I'm putting them together for my own purpose (to see how it's going) and maybe they'll help some of y'all, too? :o

Primo Advice:A schedule for everything. If you know exactly what needs to be done, exactly when, it is so much easier to get DH involved. I'm still learning this. My DH is not going to help me figure out a schedule. He is unable to think about the big picture of cleanliness. He cannot even see what is wrong with putting his clothes on the floor and walking on them. Making up a schedule for yourself is not too hard, and after you know what needs to be done when, you can begin to implement rules of how things get done according to that schedule. Telling him, as my mom drilled into my head, "just look around and see what needs to be done" is so futile it is truly comic. He has no idea what needs to be done. He hardly even looks at the house the way I do.

The Only Spoken Rule: There is only one rule about cleaning that will fit into my DH's head, and it keeps falling out. I keep putting it back in. I've made it tiny with simple words, because he may be a smarty pants medical student, but this crap just ain't sticking in any more complicated way. It may stick by the time we have our 50th wedding anniversary. The only spoken rule (and I think this will come in handy with any messy children that he creates): PUT IT WHERE IT GOES. It's like a mantra, sometimes said in anger, sometimes kindly, and, yes I'll admit this to the internet world, sometimes said suggestively because then it becomes dirty and funny and... wouldn't you know it, that makes it stick. Hell, he may be only saying it in a jokingly dirty way when he is goofing around, but good god, he is saying it. That's progress. :rolleyes:

The Non-Spoken Rules: Under no conditions will I tell my DH these rules, but I should enact them. Believe it or not, I think he is internalizing them faster than if I were nagging constantly since when nothing is said he can't argue or openly resent my "negative attitude." Plus, nagging puts me in a bad mood because I know he resists everything I say. It is hard because I have to sit by and watch my house be dirty at times, and it is hard to control my obssessiveness and not do what I want him to do himself. But I think it is paying off! What's the saying? Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime? It's kinda like that, I guess.

1) The Hamper Rule: If it ain't in the hamper, I ain't washing it. (Great minds think alike, isign.) According to my schedule, I do laundry every Fri or Saturday morning-- right away. I make it obvious because he's usu. still in bed when I start stripping the sheets, LOL. I'd been doing this for about 3 weeks when he followed me down stairs with Mt. St. Laundry balled up in his arms, saying, "You forgot this." "No, I didn't," I said. He did his own laundry. The next week, the pile was still there, but he sprang out of bed to do the "smell test" and got some in before I headed down stairs. It's a work in progress, but it is sinking in. It'll be kind of sad when it does... it's been nice doing less laundry!

2) The Kitchen Rules: If he takes it out, I don't put it back (unless he is washing the dishes.) DH takes food out of the fridge really well, but doesn't put it back. For a couple of weeks, I stopped putting it back for him. We had some perfectly good food (half a lasagna, a jar of mayo, a nearly full gallon of milk) spoil before he realized they were still out. He HATES wasting money. It's been a lot better since then (esp. since the lasagna- that was quite a blow. :p ) However, from where i can sit I can see the mayonaise. The kitchen is another place where a schedule and routine is key. I won't go into that here, but I'm trying to get us into a rhythm-- when I'm making our lunches, he's washing the breakfast dishes, etc.

3) The Bathroom Rule: I don't clean his soap dish, he doesn't get soap until he does it. I hate soap slivers. I hate picking them up and cleaning the soap dish- it's a pet peeve. But when his soapdish in the shower is only full of slivers and soap gunkuss, I've been the one to clean it out and refill the dish. He went without soap for 4 or 5 days before asking, "where's the soap?" I told him a new one would magically appear once it had a clean place to sit. Voila. (I keep the new bars hidden. Yes, I am that crazy. It's not like he is going to look for them.)

4) The Catbox: Idle threats. He's honestly pretty good about this, but I think it's because early on I told him that MacKenzie would start looking for a new bathroom if the box ever got too full.

With these "rules," consistency is key-- doing things in the same way at about the same time of the week. I'm trying to come up with more... like, how in the name of all that is holy can I get him to flush the toilet in the morning? And what will it take for him to realize that we are in danger of drowning in all the paper he never sorts and weeds out? Baby steps. I'm not looking to get him to do heavy cleaning-- we have a "you build it I'll clean it" policy for the heavy cleaning. He builds and/or remodels something, I do the dirty work. It's actually pretty fair.

I'm not saying I've got him completely figured out. But I'm getting there, and every ounce of energy that I spend trying to trick him into doing my cleaning will seems worth 20 of the ounces I'd have to spend nagging to get the same result. I'm not so much a newlywed that I feel bad about being so manipulative. Good lord, whatever works! And I want him as conditioned as possible when he spawns little devil children that have a genetic tendency to make messes. :p

But seriously, the best thing-- and I think he's beginning to put it together-- is that I am genuinely happier and more at peace here at home when I feel like it is clean and in order. :)

Sorry this is so long. It is obviously something I've been thinking a lot about, and I hope my message isn't too long!

[Aletheia]

Seb's Kitty, I like your weekly check-in idea. I think I'll start making my list in this one post for this week, and add to it as the week goes on. It will make me feel better about getting stuff done in the house! This will make me feel better, and then at the end of the week I'll post a new message saying how I did on the whole... I am so high maintenance. Sorry. :o

Sunday:
40 minute, 2 person (oh my god, oh my god, oh my god) Home Blessing

Monday:
10 minutes decluttering bathroom stuff
8 minutes scrubbing tub with baking soda-- while I was in it! Non-toxic, didn't bleach anything, made my hands soft instead of stinky like bleach. I loved it!

Tuesday:
Spent 15 minutes in my "other room" (pantry) sorting out cookbooks- flung half of them that haven't been opened in over a year.

Wednesday:
Spent 15 minutes+ rolling around in agonizing cramps. No cleaning. No working. Not even very much eating. Lots, and lots, and lots of whining.

Thursday:
2 minutes cleaning pantry floor
10 minutes putting in new shower curtain in eggplant bathroom and tidying up a bit
15 minutes putting in new shower liner, swishing toilet, and mopping floor in upstairs bathroom
0 minutes rolling around in agony.
...a good day. :)

Friday:
Big, fatty fat nothing.
But we did have Date Night. Pizza, a walk through a mall, DH stood and even helped me look for the right size dress at the Ann Taylor sale going on right now... and I bought it! From $120 to $25- that's what I call a sale!

[paiger]

Aletheia i love, love, love your 'rules'. that is the best idea!!

But seriously, the best thing-- and I think he's beginning to put it together-- is that I am genuinely happier and more at peace here at home when I feel like it is clean and in order.

this is what i can't get my DH to understand. i thought he was doing so much better, and i was so happy, until last night. i've been saying for 2 weeks that i was going to 'deep clean' this week for our 1st anniversary together this weekend. it is the first time that i am really deep cleaning for just us. normally, i keep things clean, but only get down in there for company. i swear to G that last night, i was working my ass off, and he was just sitting there with a pile of clean clothes beside him (folding is one of his jobs). i just start freaking fuming, and his response was 'why do you get mad when you clean?'. i really went off, and i don't understand why he can't just do the little things. he says he is doing things on 'his list', but do i have to write everything little thing on a piece of paper for it to get done?

so, i previously told him that i had printed all this stuff out for 'Fly Ladies', and i am going to have a separate section of his duties even if i have to have everything like put your shoes up on there!

[isign]

Wow ya'll have great systems. I did tell DH about the laundry - He took me seriously and cleaned it all up. I did ask him to take out the trash in our bathroom, and he ended up cleaning, I mean hands and knees scrubbing, the bathroom. It looks great! Now we can have the repair guy come in and fix the tub!

I'm not saying I've got him completely figured out. But I'm getting there, and every ounce of energy that I spend trying to trick him into doing my cleaning will seems worth 20 of the ounces I'd have to spend nagging to get the same result. I'm not so much a newlywed that I feel bad about being so manipulative. Good lord, whatever works! And I want him as conditioned as possible when he spawns little devil children that have a genetic tendency to make messes.

That made me laugh so hard. There's an old movie with Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin and the same type of thing. Her mom gave her a book about training a dog and said it works the same - and it does.

1 more question - DH likes to leave cups all over the place. I do some but I figure I'm going to clean the house, why does it matter, which is probably not good. Anyways, I bought plastic cups thinking it's easier to throw them away - nope, they are still everywhere. How do I get him to realize I will kill him if it continues ?:)

[paiger]

1 more question - DH likes to leave cups all over the place. I do some but I figure I'm going to clean the house, why does it matter, which is probably not good. Anyways, I bought plastic cups thinking it's easier to throw them away - nope, they are still everywhere. How do I get him to realize I will kill him if it continues ?:)
no real suggestion...but have you seen the movie 'Signs'? you never know...

[isign]

lol funny you should mention that. The first night we met we went to that movie :)

[paiger]

lol funny you should mention that. The first night we met we went to that movie :)
that is ironic!

[ctjo]

Aletheia - I love your rules too! Your "primo advice" is SO important. DH will pretty much do whatever I ask, but I HAVE to ask! He can't "figure it out."

isign - good news on the laundry :D

[Janey]

The only spoken rule (and I think this will come in handy with any messy children that he creates): PUT IT WHERE IT GOES.
I gotta tell ya this totally cracked me up. I mean really - I laughed out loud. B came in from the other room to see what I was laughing about.

B is pretty good about the housework, really. Better than I am sometimes. He does the FlyLady "shine your sink before bedtime" every night, without me having to say anything (and sometimes I even think - "Can't you come to bed? The dishes will still be there in the morning!"). Also ... and I'm sorry if I get giddy and maybe even a little braggy about this: B cleans the catbox. Every day. They're my cats, and he still cleans the catbox. I can't believe how I lucked out, to get a guy who does his own share of housework and doesn't mind the catbox.

I think it's partly because he's 40, and has had to take care of himself for so long. Aletheia, et al, I have every faith that your guys will come around. Hopefully before they're 40. ;)

[jenji]

oooh, this is so interesting. I totally need this - subbing

[Aletheia]

isign and the cup dilemma...

Let's brainstorm, shall we? I'm feeling feisty.

Here's the gist of my half-play, half-serious approach: Counter his obnoxious habit by sort of adding one of your own. I just hope doing this wouldn't lead to escalation...
1) You could hide any that get left out until there are no more cups. :D
2) You could fill each of them with milk and wait to see how gross they get before he notices. Yeah, this is gross.
3) Every cup that gets left out could be put on the floor in an area where he might walk on it.
4) Is there anything you do that he can't stand that you could do immediately upon finding an errant cup? Whistling an obnoxious tune? Singing a camp song? Popping your knuckles? Reciting a story over and over of when he did something embarassing? Do it.
5) Compose a Nag Poem and recite it at the top of your voice every time you find a cup. I think this would work best if you weren't mad but were laughing inside. My DH sure knows how to argue with my anger, but doesn't know what to do when he thinks I might be making fun of him. (Oh, we have a healthy marriage.)
6) Print out little cards that say "Dear Husband, I love you very much but habits like leaving your cups everywhere are slowly driving me insane. Please don't force me to move into the loony bin. Love, wife." Drop one into each cup and wait for him to find them.
7) Does he leave other stuff around? Pick a prominent pile place, and begin to deposit all stuff he has left around in that pile. Like maybe next to his bedside. Or where he puts his feet when he's at the dinner table.

And here's a less feisty idea, just to prove I'm not a harpy. Are they just for water? Could you buy two water bottles to keep in the fridge, try to get him to use them and change them out-- cold water could be an incentive.

And lastly, one of the flylady e-mail testimonials about kids had a priceless line which sort of summarizes my perspsective lately. Strangely, it was about children, but I find it sums up my approach to my 28 year old husband.

I am learning to give up some control to find peace.

[isign]

Oh these are too funny. The water thing - tried that but now there are water bottles all over the house. Guess who refills the bottles - me.
I really like the note in the cup idea. I'm going to start there, and then if that doesn't work I can go on to hiding the cups.
I think I read on flylady about picking up things that don't belong in a specific area and confiscating them. I am forever picking up socks, and I mean in the living room. From now on, starting tomorrow just to give him a day to get used to me saying I'm not going to pick up his stuff in the livingroom, I am going to start hiding them and anything else he leaves out - like his deoderant. Finally - this will start tomorrow too, I am going to put tape over the light switches with a note reminding him to turn it off. Well I'm going to put the note 1st and if it doesn't work then I'm going for the tape. Our powerbill, in our 2 br apt was $100 this past month. He is forever leaving lights on, so maybe if I do that it'll help. This is a great place to get started. Thanks for all the ideas. I'm going to copy all this to my journal.

[flygirl]

Hey guys! I moved this thread into the ATF Group section. If you have any questions, please let me know!

[Aletheia]

collect the socks, and put one in a cup every chance you get! even if it still has lemonade or beer!

wait... am I trying to help you clean your house or ruin it? tee hee.

good luck! keep a sense of humor about it or he might think you are a harpy.

[ani]

You guys are too funny :)

I have a question though. . . Does this bad behavior only begin after you're married? Would it be way too early for me to think I got lucky? :)

FH has a mini-control journal on the fridge. It's the only thing I keep up there. I use a clear glossy sheet protector and a piece of paper divided in two. One side are his weekly jobs, the other side I update with any jobs I want him to do in the next couple days. We have a dry-erase marker for him to check things off as they're accomplished. I basically put him in charge of the kitchen which he does to the best of his ability, and I just pick up any slack.

[Heidi9771]

Hey guys! I moved this thread into the ATF Group section. If you have any questions, please let me know!
No questions, but can I just say I LOVE the pic of your cat in your avatar? I am the BIGGEST sucker for big kitties!

[flygirl]

No questions, but can I just say I LOVE the pic of your cat in your avatar? I am the BIGGEST sucker for big kitties!
LMAO! Thanks. Too bad most of it is just being overweight :rolleyes:

[isign]

collect the socks, and put one in a cup every chance you get! even if it still has lemonade or beer!

wait... am I trying to help you clean your house or ruin it? tee hee.

good luck! keep a sense of humor about it or he might think you are a harpy.

That is a really good idea!! We are going to do the 15 min spot cleaning when he gets home from work at least 2 or 3 times a week. We had a long talk last night (started by him calling wanting to know if the house was clean so he could bring someone over) so now he knows that I don't expect him to superclean the house b/c he does work alot. I expect him to quit leaving his clothes & cups and anything else all over the house.

[ctjo]

I don't think I will ever understand the sock thing. DH leaves them all over the place also - you would never believe how many I find under the couch! He is, in general, pretty neat, except for the sock thing I guess.

ani - I think you are just lucky! Everyone just has different personalities. My DH does not expect me to keep the place completely clean, and he definitely cleans when we are having company (especially if he invited them). But, his standards of "everyday neatness" are just not as high (high strung? :p ) as mine.

Anyway, my bathroom is looking pretty good this week! Although I have been slacking on my "other room."

[angelraven]

Count me in; we have sock woes too. He leaves them right in the middle of the living room floor all the time. SO frustrating.

I got so much accomplished these last couple of days. I did the master bathroom and master bedroom since we don't have a kids room. I got rid of all of my old clothes that I no longer wear, dusted all of the furniture, got the laundry caught up, and really scrubbed the bathroom. Did DH say anything? Nope, not really. Oh well. I know he notices, sometimes he just forgets to say thank you. Plus, I'm a SAHW and a student, so I get the feeling that he expects me to keep things orderly since I don't have a "real" job. We've had some tough arguments over his being totally against helping, and the only suggestion he can come up with is that we'll hire a housekeeper when I return to work. :rolleyes: Maybe if I can stay on track with the FLYlady system we'll have a somewhat clean house without having to pay someone to pick up our messes. And I'm hoping that if it's just little things here and there, like taking out the garbage or wiping off a counter, that I can get him to do SOMETHING to help me out. He does work a lot, but once he's done with his current endeavor I don't think it's wrong of me to expect that he start changing his ways as far as that's concerned.

HOWEVER, I may rant and rave now, but I was thouroughly amazed last night (and so PROUD) when he actually put his clothes in the HAMPER instead of on the floor! That's a major accomplishment. Perhaps I should be happy about things like that instead of harping about the negatives.....

Anyway, thanks to this system I am getting my house in order and regaining my sanity. It's kinda nice!

[Aletheia]

angelraven- Congrats on your hamper milestone! That is fabulous!

How many of you can commisserate with this--
so I get the feeling that he expects me to keep things orderly since I don't have a "real" job or some version thereof? I think that these sorts of assumptions may well be the bulk of my cleaning problems with DH. Just an observation. And of course there is all that ass out of u and me crap about assuming... but maybe it's sorta true?

Ok- going back to page 8 to update my list!

[angelraven]

I doubt it's an assumption on my part. When we have tiffs over the division of housework, his excuse is always, well you have time to do everything because you don't work......

But yes, the clothes in the hamper was definitely a huge milestone. What's even bigger is that he done it AGAIN last night. That's TWO nights in a row! I'm so proud. :)

[Aletheia]

Yippe! I'm doing a tappa tappa tappa dance for you! (This is apoppy's fault. It could have been a ballet dance, but tappa tappa tappa is all I got right now.)

Hooray!

[angelraven]

Hey cool! My very own tappa tappa tappa! Wasn't that from a Simpson's episode?

[isign]

I have to brag on my hubby. He's got the laundry in the basket down!! One step at a time. He also agreed to doing a 15 min clean a few nights a week, but not on Sat b/c that's going to be date night. I'm so proud of him :D He even made dinner last night AND cleaned up the dishes. He also told me the livingroom looked good. He just didn't look in the spare room to see where all the folded clothes went :D

[Hello Kitty]

I did not do well this week, as I was out of town. I'm hoping to take care of what I can on my lunchbreak (the bathroom missions) and then do the weekly home blessing after work. Hopefully we'll have a better week next week.

I feel like I've been slacking lately.

[PrincessButrcup]

I haven't been doing very well with FLYing this week either. I'm spending too much time on here! :rolleyes:

[sravenne]

I'd like to join. I really need help with uncluttering! Oh, it's horrible! I don't quite understand the whole concept, but I'm sure I'll catch on.

Name: Kim (sravenne)
Flying Since: not yet
Size of Home: 2500sf
Work: 40 hour full-time job, plus photography part-time on nights/weekends
Pets: 2 cockatiels that make A MESS

[jenji]

can I join too?

Name: Jenn (Jenji)
Flying Since: July 2005
Size of Home: 2,000 SF
Work: 40 hours/week (50-60 in Tax season)
Pets: 1 med. mutt dog and 1 chocolate lab "puppy"

[Aletheia]

I like this week! The focus is on the master bedroom. I thought I would ask a Question of the Week to help keep us motivated. Here it is, in 2 parts:


What single thing or element about your master bedroom makes you feel the most pampered and relaxed? (Try to be specific.)
What is one small improvement you could undertake this week to make your master bedroom feel more luxurious, cozier, or relaxing?


My answers:

Making the bed and having lots of pillows on it. After a hard day, I go change into my play clothes and can flop into that pile of luxuirously soft cotton and I feel like I'm at a hotel. Oh, and really good quality sheets! Some nights I fall asleep while musing on how amazingly soft a 400 thread count can be...
Something I could do this week... get some art on the walls. We painted a long time ago but never put anything up. It's a pretty color, but a little vacant looking. Oo, I just motivated myself!

[isign]

That room needs the most help! I keep our laundry baskets in there and it's a wreck. I think it's going to go back in my closet.
Questions -
- Making the bed. We have some linen spray we got for our wedding and when it's on my favorite sheets it is the most relaxing smell and brings back tons of memories.
- We really haven't taken the time to do anything in the room. If it was cleaned, really cleaned it would be the most relaxing place in the world for us. I don't like being in there because it is so messy.

[ctjo]

I like this week too! And I like your questions!

1-I'm in love with our bed - it's big, I love the bedding, pillows, etc. But if I had to pick one element - it would be sheets. I am a tad obsessed with good sheets and I love how soft and luxurious they feel!
2-Hmmm...I have to think on this one - we too need to get something up on the walls, but I'm not sure that could happen this week. I'd like to de-clutter my nightstand drawers, but I'm not sure that makes the room more luxurious :)

[angelraven]

Well, shoot. I did the master bedroom last week because we didn't have a kids bedroom and the guest room is in the middle of being redecorated. Hmm...now what will I do?

To answer your questions:

1.) I'm in love with sheets, too. Especially ones fresh out of the dryer. I love the smell of them. We recently splurged for some 400 t.c. sateen sheets and they are so much better than the little 230. Who know it could make such a difference?

2.) I really hate that the walls are white. It's on the the last rooms in the house that we'll get to. We have to finish the guest room first though, so we can move our bed and stuff in there while we paint, put up tall waiscoting, and build a coffered ceiling. I guess until then I could hang a picture on the nails that are already in the wall above our bed. lol

[Juliana]

After being excited to start with this, I have kind of slacked a bit in the last week. But with my mom coming to visit this week (her first time seeing our place), it's time for some serious cleaning. I feel a massive kamikaze cleaning session coming on for Wed or Thurs night.

As for the 2 questions:

1.) I love my bed too. DH and I decided to splurge and get a new comfy, memory foam matress a few months ago and it is so amazing. It does however make getting out of bed each morning for work a momentous task. Add in the 600 thread count sheets we actually got off our registry and a down comforter and it's pure heaven!

2.) I guess you can add me to the list of those who have naked walls in the bedroom. I even have some stuff picked out, it's just the actual hanging of them that is the problem. Also, DH doesn't exactly trust me to hang the stuff properly, so that's kind of a pain. In my previous apts, I would just pull out a hammer and nail and stick stuff up wherever I wanted. With DH, there's the funky laser level toy, various nails, marking and measuring the wall placement, checking for studs, etc. so hanging a simple picture becomes such a procedure. I'm not sure I'm up for all that, so maybe I'll concentrate on picking up my clothes off the floor, bed, chair, etc each night.

[jenji]

Sounds like most of us have the same problems

1) about 4 months ago we got a new comforter that's all satiny and lots of pillows to go with it. I feel so spoiled when I curl up under or on it. I also just love the color of our room. It was a dark plum when we moved in and 2 months ago we painted it more of a sage green and now I just love to sit on my bed and muse at the walls

2) speaking of walls... there's not much on them, nor on the windows. that would make the room feel more complete. Since this is the zone of the week, perhaps Friday after work I will go get some art and some candles and a basket for the top of the chest of drawers for the things that need to be out, so they won't be spread all over

[Aletheia]

Add in the 600 thread count sheets we actually got off our registry and a down comforter and it's pure heaven!
Good golly! How many threads can there be in sheets? And if the difference between 250 and 400 is SMALLER than the difference between 400 and 600, I have got to get me some of those!

[Bellefior]

I'm subscribing. I did this for a while and it worked but have slacked majorly. Seems I only do a major decluttering when we know people are staying over!

[ctjo]

some candles and a basket for the top of the chest of drawers

I like this idea! We have "new" furniture (new to us) and nothing to put on it. I don't want a lot of clutter, but it looks almost sterile. Maybe I can get something this week!

[Juliana]

Good golly! How many threads can there be in sheets? And if the difference between 250 and 400 is SMALLER than the difference between 400 and 600, I have got to get me some of those!

Aletheia-

The 600 thread sheets we have are from bed bath & beyond. You can check them out here (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=101805&RN=16). I highly recommend them, but only if someone else is paying ;) Spending over $100 per set seems like a lot for sheets to me, but then again I am a bargain hunter. I've had good luck finding 400 count sheets at TJ Maxx and Marshalls for about $50 (that's for a queen size). I don't notice a lot of difference between the 2- either one is wonderful. BB&B also offers 1000 count sheets acc. to their website- Wonder what those are like!

[Hello Kitty]

Since I messed up last week and only got the bathroom done, I'm working on the bedroom and the 'other' room, which is my office. Feel like I'm getting a lot done. :) I WILL be hanging up the pictures in there this week, I swear!

There was a thing posted (maybe somewhere else ;)) on higher TC sheets - I guess there are ways to bend the rules of what consists of a 'thread' - so some of the threadcounts are misleading. Just an FYI so you don't get all caught up in spending way too much for a product.

That said, we have a set I love from LNT - they're the 'sateen hotel stripe' or something like that - love em!

[Katy]

Well, I finally got off my butt and did some good cleaning. I decided our bedroom 1) had far too much clutter that just needed a new home - moved it to the garage, which of course means at some point I'll need to work on that, and 2) needed a good cleaning behind some of the furniture - cat & dog fur everywhere under things!

Of course, I still have more to do, but it was a start. I also got rid of some of the dustwebs on the walls. Then it just got TOO hot for me to handle (the fan read 87 in the room) since we have no AC in there.

[vikib]

I stopped following it after I had Katie, but I really need to get back into it! Glad I found this! Thanks!

[Heidi9771]

Also, DH doesn't exactly trust me to hang the stuff properly, so that's kind of a pain. In my previous apts, I would just pull out a hammer and nail and stick stuff up wherever I wanted. With DH, there's the funky laser level toy, various nails, marking and measuring the wall placement, checking for studs, etc. so hanging a simple picture becomes such a procedure. .

Oh my, I had to respond to this, as I could have wrote this post myself! Like you, if I wanted to hang something up, I just grabbed a nail and hammer...but now with DH...the simple act becomes the Home Improvement Special with master mind gadgets. I just seems looming and I procrastinate hangint stuff up. There is a mirror in our entry way that I have been meaning to hang (or rather DH has :rolleyes: ) for months!

[jenji]

I know what you mean about hanging stuff. I have a mirror to hang in the guest room that's been on the floor for months waiting on DH and his toys.

[jeneca128]

Hey everyone! I just decided to give this whole FLYing thing a try a couple days ago. Hopefully I can be kept on track with a little help :)

Here's my info

Name: Karen (Jeneca128)
Flying since: Tuesday :)
Size of home: 1350 SF
Work: Nurse- 3 12 hour shifts/wk
Pets: 2 dachshunds and 2 turtles

[vikib]

I realized I didn't give my info:

Name: Viki (vikib)
Flying since: a year, but haven't in quite a while
Size of home: 1380 SF
Work: Actuary, M-W 8:30-4, Th-F at home
Pets: 1 cat, Wookie

[Etoile]

Hi! I've been struggling to get "back on the wagon" for a while... glad to see so many flyladies on cc.

Name: Sara
Flying since: on & off for about a year
Size of home: 1600 sq feet
Work: 40 hrs/week FT job plus home-based business
Pets: 1 small dog, 6 large fish, 1 lizard

[Heidi9771]

I just have to say the fly system has changed my life...I am thinking about letting go of my housekeeper because I can, with the fly system, manage my own home, while working full time...AND it gives me routines and piece of mind.

I love the testimonials, the emails, and the website.

I never knew this ever existed until I read about it here. Who knew a little bit of inspiration and such an easy system could do so much and go SO far???!!!!

[Aletheia]

Alright people, it's living room week. Are you ready? I was sort of a flop on master bedroom week-- alas, I had has such high hopes but got very little done.

Here's this week's QOTW:

What is your favorite thing in or aspect of your living room?

My answer: my big purple couch. We bought it as a floor model from a furniture store and it is big, purple, and squishy. But now it is too squishy and it is hard to get out of. :(

[angelraven]

Last week was sort of a bust for me. I had already done te master bedroom, so I worked a little bit on the garage. Got one side cleared out so DH could park in there that way his car won't be so hot when he goes to work. The rest of the house is still clean, too, so I'm still doing pretty well I guess. It's never stayed this clean for this long, so maybe it wasn't a bust after all. :)

QOTD: Hmm....I love our fireplace. Here's a picture of it from last Christmas, which was our first as a married couple and in this house:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cc34b3127cce9dfd79d22b0800000016108EauGzdmxbi

The only thing I don't like is the horrible mirror above it that we need to take down. We're afraid it's glued to the wall though. Ick. I want to focus on finding different things for the mantle this week to accent it more. What we have now just isn't working.

[SwiftyOWB]

ME: I'm Kelly (SwiftyOWB)
DH Joe
Flying since 7/05
Size of home: Currently have 1700 sq ft 2 Br duplex down
PETS: none
Work: FT over 40 hours a week plus 3 hour commute.
Help: none, just the two of us

Well I cleaned my sink tonight and tomorrow night I will work on the Master Bedroom

[eponymous]

Here's this week's QOTW:
What is your favorite thing in or aspect of your living room?
My answer: my big purple couch.

Hey, me too! Although DH's favorite item is the coffee table in front of it. It's on springs and lifts up to act as a table. People laugh when I tell them that I have a purple couch, but it's very nice.

Does anyone else have trouble letting go of a room, particularly straightening, to move on?

[jenji]

Here's this week's QOTW:

What is your favorite thing in or aspect of your living room?

It used to be the screens I made as a divider between the entryway and the living room... but after the dogs tore them down, it's my chair and a half! I love to cozy up in it, light candles and read. I LOVE my living room. it's small, but it's usually the cleanest room in the house :)
here's a picture from the day we moved in (this was the first room we put together so we had a place to relax):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce39b3127cce9b1be6a2ecab00000016108AcsWjJy1aNc

[SwiftyOWB]

OK here is my list for tonight. DH is out of town so I am going to try and do alot this week and tone down once her gets home. Besides, I was really bored yesterday so I need to get moving today. Quick question, when you do the house blessing do you also do your other tasks.
1. The 27-Fling Boogie - DONE
2. The Hot Spot Fire Drill (back table and wine rack) - DONE
3. The 5 Minute Room Rescue (Storage Room) - DONE
4. Kelly's Daily Missions – sofa and chair diving - DONE
5. Work in your Zones (living rooom) - DONE with the Boogie
ALSO
6. Washed and changed sheets
7. Shined Bathroom sink
8. Windexed power room mirror

[Aletheia]

Kitlyn! Nice to hear from you. How's your summer? I can't believe you have a big eggplanty couch too. :) What fun.

Hi Swifty!

When I do my home blessing, I do vary from Flylady's suggestions, God help me. This is for two reasons:

1) It is the only time during the week that DH helps me- the only time where "Cleaning" is a named activity in the house. I get him for 30 or maybe 40 minutes- that is 3 or 4 ten minute tasks, and so I dole out his assignments based on the things I want him to do (find the top of his desk, locate the carpet under Mt. St. Laundry.)
2) My house is pretty clean, I think- most of the week I am sorting crap out and moving the things I like around with my 15 minutes in each zone. So the cleaning that I don't get done sometimes ends up on the blessing list.

[Asha]

name - rebekah
flying since - newbie
size of home - 1300 sf townhouse
work - full time phd student
help - i wish!!!! :p

what i love about my living room. it's always the cleanest room in the house and the place where i can relax.

[Winter Biscuit]

I just joined. We'll see how long I can continue flying. My DH is going to be ecstatic if he sees any actual results from this...I don't think I'm even going to tell him about this just yet :p

name - Winter Biscuit
flying since - today
size of home - 3600 sq ft - brand new (just moved 2 months ago)
work - WOH 4 days a week; work at home 1 day
help - no :( ...unless my toddler counts? She loves to help make messes ;)


What is your favorite thing in or aspect of your living room?
We just moved into a brand new house so we still have some decorating to do yet. But when everything is done :rolleyes: I think my favorite part of the room will be the oil paintings I inherited from my grandmother who just died in April. I want to re-frame them before I hang them, but just haven't gotten around to going to the frame shop yet...

[isign]

I crashed :( I was doing so good, just baby steps with the kitchen, but then we went out of town, and I guess my brain forgot what to do. My goal this week - get back on track.

[jenji]

I'm slacking. I just did my sofa/couch diving this morning before work and flipped all my cushions. kinda bummed I didn't find anything good in the cushions, just a long lost pen. I think the Living Room is pretty much straightened up now and I am so glad we've been working on this zone this week, because I just volunteered yesterday to have 17 people over tomorrow night! :eek: luckily I'll just have to swiffer and bring a few extra chairs in!

btw as I'm now in my second week of flying, my husband (and I) can't believe my sudden lack of tolerance for clutter and I've gone to bed with a shiny sink every night! :D Feeling much more at peace with my home

[greenbunny]

Hi everyone,

I lurked on the old FlyLady thread for ages, and I've been reading her site off and on for a few years. I haven't committed partly because I felt it was so geared towards SAHWs (DH and I both work full time and are doing our master's degrees) and partly because all I hear from this woman is "shine your sink" and I've never had anything but porcelain--it doesn't shine! Made the whole thing seem kinda pointless to me.

My biggest issue with keeping our place clean is that DH is a big hands-on worker type of guy. He likes to be out mucking around in the yard or rebuilding the shed, and my cleaning is ruined within a minute of him tracking grass/soil/sawdust into the house.

Just wanted to say that I will be lurking around, hoping to pick up some tips here and there. Some is better than none, I suppose.

[Aletheia]

greenbunny: I totally understand the muck factor. DH enjoys tearing things up far more than he enjoys putting things together. And even though I love to have a sparkling clean house, I'm beginning to realize that homes are made to be lived in. :) My house is not a model home, but knowing that I am on top of its maintenance somehow makes me feel better. :)

As for the sink, I don't polish mine half the time. Setting out a fresh dish towel for the morning and cereal bowls makes me feel smiley, and that is the point!!

[greenbunny]

I'm beginning to realize that homes are made to be lived in. :) My house is not a model home, but knowing that I am on top of it's maintenance somehow makes me feel better. :)

Sounds like a good philosophy! :)

[eponymous]

partly because all I hear from this woman is "shine your sink" and I've never had anything but porcelain--it doesn't shine! Made the whole thing seem kinda pointless to me.

Ha. Yeah, that seems so rediculous to me. Although ours is shine-able, doing the dishes is DH's duty and I feel like I can't suggest the sink-shining thing. Instead, I try to make sure that my kitchen table is cleaned off by the end of the day. It's nice to come downstairs in the morning and there's no clutter on it.

[dh5678]

May I join too? (I'm a somewhat late WC refugee.)

Name: Debbie (dh5678)
Flying since: well, fluttering since 11/2004
Size of home: approximately 1500 sf
Work: outside of home 4 days/week but can be more at times
Help: usually not, unless I ask DH to help

About shining the sink: I have a porcelain sink too -- usually I just wipe it out so there aren't any crumbs left in the morning. I'm definitely happier in the morning that way. :)

[Heidi9771]

OK girls...after flying for this month I am "this close" to letting go the house keeper!!! A savings of $140 a month!

[jeneca128]

My sink doesn't really shine either, but I'm happy just to have it clean and empty every morning with an uncluttered countertop. :)

As for the QOTW... I love my big huge wall clock that hangs over my fireplace. :) DH bought it for me for Christmas. It's about 3 feet in diameter.

[angelraven]

I've been such a slacker this week. I'm currently in my last class for my IT certification that I'm working on, so I've been there all day 8-4 and then at night I've been studying like a mad woman so I can finish soon. I keep the clutter picked up, the kitchen clean, and the bed made, which is more than I could have said before I started FLYing. I haven't done anything in the current zone though. I plan to pick it back up full speed next week. I'm glad my classes are so short, but man they are intense.

I have a porcelain sink as well. You can sort of shine porcelain. I LOVE Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. They work WONDERS in porcelain sinks. Mine was all scratched up and stained until I just happened to try the Magic Eraser on it. It looks pretty close to brand new now! I really feel that it does make a difference in my mood in the mornings when I walk downstairs to get breakfast and my cup of tea and I can see that the sink is nice and clean. Makes me happy.

[Asha]

well, i had to just join again bc i was not receiving any emails. i went to yahoo groups and saw they have a whole daily schedule. don't know if this is what they send you in the emails. not really practical for those who work outside the home, but i like getting it nonetheless bc it gives me suggestions of what i should specifically be cleaning.

does anyone actually do the shoe thing? i don't understand it at all. ever since i lived with a japanese roommate i almost never wear shoes inside the home for the sake of cleanliness and tracking dirt inside. i know that we don't have to do everything they say, but i am sure there are others who never wear shoes inside either.

this is what i will do today.

-27 fling boogie
-boogie my purse
-clean car boogie
-start evening routine
-focus on living room

ahhhh, i feel much better after making a list.

[Aletheia]

About shoes...

I know flylady would say I'm being a whiner, but she can whine about that if she wants. My house is too hot in the summer to wear shoes and too cold in the winter to wear anything other than big slippers.

But the point isn't lost on me. She wants me to feel presentable and prepared for anything. So where I used to wear my pj's as long as possible and only take showers in the evening when I finally got around to it, I try to be showered, dressed in a different outfit than yesterday, and hair done when I say goodbye to DH in the morning. It really boosts my self-confidence, too, when I can say goodbye to him as he goes off to work in such a way that it is obvious that I am off to work too, even though sometimes I work at home.

It just means that the lazy morning doesn't last all day.

Of course, I am typing this having not showered yet today... :o Hey, I've thought it all through, but consistenly putting it into practice isn't the easiest thing in the world!

[Aletheia]

Heidi9771: I think you should let the housekeeper go and then buy $140 of chocolate for all of us flybabies on the CC every month instead! I'd keep you motivated for that sort of payment. :)

Great job! Keep it up! Isn't it nice to see your work make a difference in your surroundings?

[isign]

shoes - I despise them, won't find me wearing shoes inside unless we are visiting someone who I'm not comfterable taking my shoes off in their home. I keep flip flops handy near the door. OK I lied, I try to only keep flip flops anywhere other than the bedroom :D

[Hello Kitty]

Heidi9771 - that's amazing and has got to feel really good. :D

As a rule, we don't wear shoes inside our house, but *get* what she's trying to say. I take it to mean more ready to go at a moments' notice, and presentable. Since I WFH, I've adapted it to mean 'dressed to bra' - don't laugh! So each day, rather than pull on a tank & my PJ pants, I get dressed so that I'm presentable (usually in my workout clothes). It works wonders - not only is it easier to do stuff on my lunch break, but it makes me more serious minded for the day.

I'm pretty impressed that I've got my morning and evening routines down now. They're really quick, and leave me with so much more free time during the rest of the day. Anyway, off to go do the weekly home 'cleaning' ;) hour.

[Katy]

When we first started things here, we had a cool spell here in SoCal. Now, it's back to being nearly 90 in my house! I'm not quite able to psych myself up to start DEEP cleaning when it's that hot. And I'm most definately NOT going to be dressed in "regular" clothes if I'm sweating like a pig just to pick up and do the dishes (let's not even talk about how hard it is to even turn on the stove to cook in this heat!)

So I have a feeling, I'll just be doing some surface cleaning until things cool down again. Even that would be a vast improvement on our end :o

[eponymous]

Success story, of sorts:

Yesterday, DH's friend calls (at 10PM) to announce that he's staying in a hotel 10 minutes from us and, hey, are we doing anything? (Yes, we're both busy being sick!) There was some stuff around on the first floor of the house that took five minutes to pick up and put away, but no need to vaccum or sweep. And it was very nice coming downstairs today and everything was very neat.

(DH's friend stayed for three hours and talked non-stop about his divorce a year ago. I'm glad that we were able to be friends to him, but I REALLY didn't need to know what excuses and keywords his ex-wife (also a friend of DH) was using to, er, have an affair. Nor did I need to hear about it until 1AM when we're both sick!)

[Heidi9771]

Heidi9771: I think you should let the housekeeper go and then buy $140 of chocolate for all of us flybabies on the CC every month instead! I'd keep you motivated for that sort of payment. :)

Great job! Keep it up! Isn't it nice to see your work make a difference in your surroundings?

Heidi9771 - that's amazing and has got to feel really good. :D

LOL, Aletheia!

Thanks Seb's Kitty. I let her know today that I am going to try managing my home myself for the timebeing. Hopefuly I can keep it up.

I usually do my weekly home "blessing" either Saturday or Sunday since I work full time during the week and I usually just too tired at the end of the day. I just finished and my home looks great plus I get to look forward to clean sheets to sleep on tonight! :)

Another benefit, is that my DH is so proud of me and seems to be less stressed in general now that our home is in a better order :)

[Aletheia]

Hi ladies! Just checking in as the week gets started. Katy, I totally hear you about the heat. Our heat trend here in Baltimore last week was miserable. I'm glad its over, but they're forecasting high nineties temps later this week... ugh!

I'm curious who has adapted flylady's zones to fit their own house-- if so, what are your zones? We have a basement and a garden that get ignored far too often.

[mrsliby2004]

I just signed up, but am a little confused!! I am probably totally misunderstanding the whole thing, so any enlightenment is appreciated!!

How do you get your house all cleaned up to start on her "plan?" What if everything is a mess, how can you just clean the entry way/patio/dining room for a whole week?

Also, how long does it take to get the welcome e-mail? I haven't received it yet!

I am determined to stick to this if I can figure it out, my house makes me sick sometimes looking at the clutter!!

[katmg]

Mrsliby - I'm not very good at flying so I'm sure someone else might have more insight. I think the whole point is that you don't "clean your whole house" to start. You take little baby steps. You clean one room at a time. You start by just making your sink shiny and go from there. I think the point is valid. If you tried to clean your whole house you'd be overwhelmed. If you instead, just have to clean one area, one room, one sink, you have success and will continue to clean.

Try not to think about the mess in the whole house. Just focus on one area - by the time the month is over you'll have hit each area of your house!

[mrsliby2004]

Ah, got ya! I guess if I would have kept reading the website, I would have realized that!

I'm glad to hear that there are ladies that are not good at flying, because I am a little afraid that it is going to be tough!

[Asha]

followed the instructions about cleaning the sink. i am ecstatic. i keep taking peeks at the sink. though, i am not going to follow how she says to keep no dishes in the sink. i absolutely believe in using things. that seems too much like putting plastic over your furniture.

[Katy]

I have a hard time with the sink shining thing. I think it's because we don't have a dishwasher (aside from ME, that is) so there's always stuff in our sink at one time or another. But I get what she's saying. When I used to nanny for folks with a dishwasher, it was so nice and easy (to say nothing of looking nice) to just put the dishes in the DW when you were done with them. *sigh* it's the little things in life that make this girl happy :o

[Aletheia]

i shine my sink periodically. i've found that something stupidly simply, like laying out new dishcloths and/or the cereal bowls for the morning, or filling the french press and getting out the water kettle-- these things make me smile in the groggy a.m. too.

I'm scrubbing the sink a lot more since I got the arm&hammer baking soda shaker. It doesn't stink up my hands or make me feel like I risk getting chemicals on my dishes nearby-- it's just easier. And I can use my kitchen sponge to the sponge's benefit.

Rebjc-- Yeah, we leave dishes in the sink too. I just try to do them all before bed, but sometimes not even that happens. Maybe those nights I should lay out the new dishcloths over the dishes. :)

Mrs.Libby, welcome! If you'd like, you can always start off the program by doing a "home blessing" tour- you spend an hour, timed in 10 minute increments, doing a few essential things that she lists for you. Then your house will at least feel mostly under control so that you can begin focusing on the details in each "zone."

She comes off sounding super perfectionist, it's true, but I love the "jump in where you are, you are not behind" reminder. I think too it is important to realize that houses are meant to be lived in and enjoyed. If you follow her plan, cleaning is less of a constant chore than a regularly scheduled program that runs by itself. You no longer have to constantly assess whether things are getting too dirty, no longer have to make higgledy-piggledy plans to clean rooms that seem to be getting out of control. Once you get it down, or mostly down, it's like the house cleans itself so you no longer have to spend energy paying attention to whether it is dirty. Does that make sense?

Good luck, and again, welcome!

[mrsliby2004]

Thank you so much! I am actually pretty excited now . . . tonight I did the 30 minute DeClutter -- and I can actually see my buffet and dining room table! I'll keep at it!

[jenji]

MrsLiby - good job on the buffet!
I just started Flying last month and I felt really overwhelmed at first, then I did just start by shining my sink... well ok, I didn't actually shine it the first week, I just made sure that when I went to bed there were NO dishes in it and it was cleaned out. I am slowly growing my routine from there. I do work in the zones, but I don't do the 27 fling boogie or some of the other things yet.
You'll start to find the little things throughout the day that really make a difference to you and you'll feel so much better about that, that you'll want to work on other things as well. it's crazy how infectious it is

[Asha]

alethia - lol about placing clean towel over dirty dishes. :D

i agree with you, katy, about a dishwasher. luckily, we will hopefully have one installed by the end of the summer. yay!!! i am ecstatic about it.

i have a question. is there anyway to get the tub as clean as the sink. would i just follow the same steps? would using bleach on a colored tub stain the tub with white spots? we have an 80's tub that is grey. :o

[greenbunny]

I just want to say that when we moved in February I was so excited to have a dishwasher for the first time in my life, I thought the sink would be so clean all the time.

Not to burst anyone's bubble, but it really doesn't work that way! There are a lot of things that can't/shouldn't be put in a dishwasher. Good cutlery is a no-no, and pots and pans can get wrecked too. Also anything with tomato sauce will turn plastic items, like tupperware, bright pink.

Just so you know, you still need to be diligent about sink pile-ups with a dishwasher. I thought it would solve our kitchen messes and it helps a lot, but it isn't the magic cure.

[Hello Kitty]

Rebjc, I'm not sure if this would hurt the finish (so don't come and beat me up :p) so you might want to test an area of it first. DH had an old tub in his apt that was pretty sketchy. So I took my time with a green scratcher pad & some powdered cleanser (can't remember the name) and scrubbed it. It cleaned up really well.

I didn't even know what zone we were in until I read this thread :embarrassed: I don't really have any decluttering to do, so I think I will make myself sit down and make placemats for our table. I've been meaning to forever, but it never was a priority.

[Asha]

greenbunny - i grew up doing all the family's dishes, so i am fairly familiar with a dishwasher. i admit to being very lazy when it comes to house chores, so it really doesn't bother me when tupperware gets that pink stain. it gets that despite the handwashing. also, we have no fine china or cutlery that i would be afraid to put in a dishwasher. as a kid we always put pots and pans in the dishwasher unless it was a ginormous one. thinking about my dishware the only thing that i wouldn't put in a dishwasher is my plastic, disposable cutlery. thanks for the advice though. i can see if people had nicer stuff than our's than it couldn't go in the dishwasher.

[greenbunny]

rebjc, this is totally new for me! I had no idea and it was a real letdown. Our 20-dollar knife set is all corroded and trashed. Not a big deal to replace, I just hate hand-washing!

And as far as the tomato sauce, I've had a plate with sauce transfer to a tupperware used for something else. I never had that happen hand-washing. Pink tupperware drives DH insane. Picky brat. :rolleyes:

Sorry to keep hijacking, back to lurking!

[Asha]

greenbunny - my dh can be a picky brat too. these days i don't get the red stains because he doesn't like to eat red sauce. :rolleyes:

[LadyD088]

I am joining in. I am pretty lazy about cleaning the apt so I am hoping this will help - a little each day and with a plan at hand! I have done a pretty good job in getting most of the downstairs completely done today. I wanted to start fresh BUT the loft (my office) and our bedroom are something else.

We moved in a month ago. I am new at working from my home so my office is a bit of a mess because not everything is put away in its place...somethings don't even have a place yet. I hope to get that fixed in a few days.

Anyways...

Name: Deb (LadyD088)
Flying since: Today
Size of home: 1100 SF
Work: WAH 5 days/wk
Pet: Mini Schnauzer, Baxter
FYI: Husband doesn't do housework!

Looking forward to sharing stories and motivation!

Deb

[dh5678]

Welcome LadyD088! :)

It's back to the kitchen zone this week and plenty of cleaning to do there. I'm not always motivated for zone 1 because we don't really have a dining room (sort of open-plan kitchen/dining area/living room area).

My parents are visiting next weekend and my FIL and SMIL were just here, so I'll also need to clean the guest room and bathroom again. I just have to remember to use the timer. :o

[Bellefior]

Question for all you flyers out there:

For those of you who are working, how do you make the time to concentrate on your zones? I can barely keep up with the housework! Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Asha]

kudos to all the flyladies with kids. i had my nieces over this w/e, and i totally fell off the wagon. not able to do any cleaning with two children demanding my attention all of the time.

[jenji]

Question for all you flyers out there:

For those of you who are working, how do you make the time to concentrate on your zones? I can barely keep up with the housework! Any suggestions would be appreciated!

The best way for me to do my zones is AS SOON as I get home from work I change into comfy clothes and tennis shoes and run around like crazy for 15-20 minutes scrubbing and putting things away etc. when the time's up it's time to go get started on dinner.
I find that if I do it first thing and only devote a small amount of time, I don't get bogged down in the details. If there's a lot of clutter, I'll take a box and just throw everything in that doesn't belong in that room (after throwing out trash) and take 5 minutes to put all those things away in their proper room

[young lioness]

I joined way back on the first page of the thread, but I haven't gotten back to flying yet. I just realized that my classes start in three weeks, so if I'm going to make flying a habit, I need to start doing it now.

This week is the kichen, but I think I'm going to work on last week's zone instead. Last week we tore out our dining room and kitchen floor and installed pergo. Since we had to empty both rooms and then clean up when we were done, I did pretty much all the cleaning and purging that needed to be done for this week's zone. However, the process created a lot of dust that worked it's way into the other rooms, so there's dusting and window washing to do in the living room and office.

[LadyD088]

Well, so far I am ahead of myself! I did a major cleaning this weekend and so far don't need to do the 1st 2 tasks, thank goodness. I am focusing on my office as my boss will be stopping by tomorrow! FUN! So far, Flying is FUN! ;)

Hope everyone else is having a good week.

Deb

[ctjo]

How's everyone doing in the kitchen? I love kitchen week - I really love our kitchen and I get satisfaction out of getting all the nooks and crannies really clean!

Like jenji , I do my zone work as soon as I get home - or sometimes while dinner is cooking (depending on what it is). I also found that using the timer really helps - it's just easy for me to look at it and know that I will only be doing the task at hand for 15 minutes (or less)...

[jenji]

My kitchen is the one part of the house that DH and I try to work on everyday making sure the counters and sink are cleaned off/out before bed each night, so I enjoy a week of focusing on deeper cleaning.

[Bastille]

Has anyone bought any of the FlyLady products - such as the duster and/or calender?

[ani]

I have the Office in a Bag, dusters, this years new calendar and her wallet! I LOVE the new calendar. I'd recommend it to anyone. The sticker kit is a must. Its really cute. I love my wallet too because its exactly the right size for me. I was worried when I got it because it looks wide, as if it won't fit in jeans pockets, but it does. Everything is really high quality.
I think the dusters are totally essential unless you live in a high apartment building. I'm finding now that I moved, I'm too lazy to lift the window and the screen to shake them out, and i'm def not walking down four floors. Before this apartment though, I had an easier window to shake it out so I used it all the time, and it was very true that after a while there was just no dust to settle on things, even areas that weren't dusted stayed much cleaner.

hehe guess you can see that I'm really passionate about her products. I really like everything I get and I do believe that even if I didn't like it, or I stopped using it after a while, that I've gotten so much more value out of the 3+ years I've been a member that it's completely worth the money I spent.

[Bastille]

So to clean the dusters you just shake them out?

[jenji]

My mom and granny each had a duster (I think) but I don't. maybe I should look into that... perhaps it would give me motivation to dust.

I was so proud of myself last night. before dinner I actually took a broom and a vacuum into the bathroom and cleaned of the vent and went around the top of the room for cobwebs I also washed all the floor mats.

[dh5678]

I have both the small and large dusters, and I think they're great! I used to dust with dust rags, tissues, napkins, etc. It's much easier to use the dusters. The large one is really helpful for reaching high areas.

You can just shake out the dusters. I guess you could wash them periodically (there are instructions on the website), but I haven't done that yet.

I don't have any other FlyLady products, though I'm thinking about the calendar. I bought a timer at Target, and it works fine.

[jenji]

what's everyone doing for their bathrooms this week? Has anyone thought of a way in which they want to change it?

[Etoile]

I'm really getting back on track! I did some real "crisis cleaning" this weekend--to try to get it to where I am more motivated to do my routines. Working so far--my sink is shiny tonight!
I dug out my control journal too...

I'm glad to hear the dusters really do work. I am thinking of ordering the large one. I got a timer similar to hers at walmart for cheap--it still works but the readout is already screwed up. Does anyone have the book "sink reflections". Most of it's right there on her website but somehow having it in book format is nice.

[tbell]

It's funny that I stumbled across this thread because The Fly Lady was a speaker at a work conference I just attended. She lives in my state and her husband is a judge that deals with my job.

[cocoa_femme]

I just joined. I'd heard about this from the WC thread and surfed the flylady website some; but didn't join until today.

Name: Bree (Cocoa_Femme)
Flying since: 8/24/05
Size of home: 1430 sf
Work: PR and Marketing Manager (40+ hours/week)

[Etoile]

Do any of you flyladies do "saving dinner". It is all it is cracked up to be, definitely. We started back up a week and a half ago (I had done a few week's worth of a friend's subscription that she shared with me about a year ago.) The recipes are so great and the shopping list makes it so easy.

I'm still not up to zone work but today is day 3 of shiny sink!

[greenbunny]

How do you guys fit in the cleaning when you're "off" of your schedule?

I find that if I have anything to do, like if I need to stop for lunchmeat or if one of the cats is sick on the rug, that my entire night goes out the window. It's only on days that I get out of work exactly on time with no other obligations that I can get stuff done.

[dh5678]

greenbunny -- I try to make sure I still do the morning and evening routines when something happens. I'm usually out of the house for 13 hours (in between work and the commute), so I don't always have a chance to do the zone missions if I have to work later than usual. I figure anything that gets done is better than nothing at all. :)

Hope this helps a little.

[jenji]

greenbunny - I'm a lot like dh5678. I don't go to bed until my sink is shining and my evening routine is done and I do my best to get my morning routine done before work. whatever I manage to do after work is a bonus. don't tell flylady, but much of the time I don't get my zones done until Saturday morning.
I know this defeats much of the purpose of doing it bit by bit, but I keep things under control everyday and get my special cleaning done either when DH is out of town or on the weekends before I get my day started

[Hello Kitty]

I agree - I try (well this week was a flop) to get the morning and evening routines done daily. If I have time for the missions/zone/weekly cleaning, I do it, but if it waits until Saturday AM, I don't care. I know it will get done and that's all that matters.

As much as they say the system is fit for people who work, I have my doubts. It seems like we all have had to do a lot of adaptation to get it to work. That's fine, but it's also unrealistic to do stuff every day sometimes.

[eponymous]

I agree with Seb's Kitty - if I'm home, it seems much easier to get done. But during the school year, it's nearly impossible. I'm away from home nearly every weekend in the fall and spring (volunteering) and I can NEVER get caught up with cleaning or laundry; it feels like a ten week marathon. I don't go anywhere during my winter quarter and having those weekends is such a luxury.

I had recommitted myself to FLYing, starting last weekend, but now I have pneumonia and can't do anything. I feel like FLYing reduces my stress when I'm able to complete it, but when I can't, it just increases my stress. When we're busy, having a clean kitchen table/counter and no obvious dirt on the floors or bathrooms is sufficient for me, but FLYLady tells me that I need to make sure there's no dirt under the bed. I can't do that! So I get stressed about it.

[lady1297]

Hi all!! I've been flirting with joining since the old days at the other place, but decided to join tonight. I just got done washing my dishes and will shine my sink before bed. I'm not sure how I'm going to do this everyday since I stink at routines (which lead me to a messy house), but I wanna give it a try. Thanks for the thread! :D

[Aletheia]

holy fish balls! where did this thread go? I had to search for it and I'm still not sure I could find it without searching. How is everyone, and how are your houses?

I need some success stories to motivate me right now. :confused:

[SingleWhiteFemale]

And as far as the tomato sauce, I've had a plate with sauce transfer to a tupperware used for something else. I never had that happen hand-washing. Pink tupperware drives DH insane. Picky brat. :rolleyes: We used to have the pink Tupperware problem, but we started using the Rubbermaid Stain Shield containers, and no more pink! They're not that expensive, and they come with a lifetime warranty if you follow their care guide. Some people have had a problem with them cracking, but it sounds as if that's covered under their guarantee. The only thing is, they'e a much harder plastic than regular Tupperware. http://www.stainshield.com/common/images/product/HP/7B18_lg.jpg

[2kCougar]

Has anyone used SOS pads on their stainless steel sinks? All that I've been using is soft scrub b/c our sink scratches so easily.

I want to give this lifestyle a chance since I'm back at work with a new house to take care of.

[QueenofCA]

Hello all!

I'd like to join this thread since I just signed up to start receiving the FlyLady's emails.

Info:

Name: Melinda
FLYing since: today!
Size of Home: 1700 sq. ft.
Work: 40 hrs. per week plus 2.5 hrs of commuting each day.
No pets or kids


I have to confess that I am the more messy one in our marriage. I'm just much more relaxed about things than DH is. Of course, DH is home during the day so I really feel that he should be doing much more around the house, but that's a whole separate issue. I'm hoping that I can meet him halfway by being neater and paying more attention to details, and then maybe he'll respond by doing more himself.

Here's to happy FLYing!

[Aletheia]

2kcougar- I just use my kitchen sponge with some baking soda; works really well! And doesn't scratch the sink I don't think.

What goals do people have this week? I'm going to have a busy, busy week so I'm going to keep things simple-
I'd like to vaccuum the master bedroom really well and do some serious speed flinging of unnecessary stuff. If I do just those two things, I'll consider my week a success. :)

My am and pm routines are nearly automatic now, and I scrub my sink probably every other night... progress! ;)

[dh5678]

How are people doing? It's been a while since the last post.

[Bastille]

I just sent this email to FlyLady - please HELP if you have any thoughts.

"Hello-

I am having a "hard" time dealing with the anxiety of cleaning up (could be the perfectionism). I have given away clothes to Hurricane Katrina victims and thought I would feel "good" but was disappointed that I didn't. I purchased from you the calendar/stickers, 2 dusters (still not used), office in a bag and control journal all still not used. I am not sure why but the anxiety is really something. I grew up in an alcoholic home and have piles of clutter because if I don't see what I have I forget what I have or something like that. I really do want to clean up and DH would love it if I did but there is a hesitancy/anxiety, could it be that I want to be a "martyr/victim" to my clutter?

I would love to hear your thoughts on the cleaning up induced anxiety."

[lovebugs2003]

Ok, i checked out Flylady and it looks so neat. I have been having a hard time finding time to clean my house and then i get so frustrated when it isn't that way i want it. I have no set schedule, i just clean whenever i have that burst of energy. SO hopefully this will help me out and the support from all you lovely ladies on this board.

Name: Becky
FLYing since: today!
Size of Home: 2000 sq. ft.
Work: 35 hrs. per week plus 2 hrs of commuting each day, if not more
No pets or kids

[pocket]

ok, since it's the new year i am going to really commit myself to FLYing again. I am just the messiest person ever.

Name: Maya
FLYing since: Well, let's just start fresh from today and forget about the past failures.
Size of Home: 1000 sq. ft.
Work: 45 hrs. per week plus 2 hrs commute
Pets: Dog, Ari and cat, Mazzy
No kids (yet)

Bastille, I also have tremendous anxiety about cleaning.

[jenji]

Bastille - you're not alone. I have similar anxiety aobut it. I don't know why.

I'm trying to get into Flying again... I started in July and stuck with the basics pretty well and have been keeping my sink empty (though not always shining) but I feel like I'm back where I Started with the rest of the house. I never actually made a control Journal.

question have you made a control journal? do you use it? what does it look like?
also... are you doing the 6 weeks of cruising to the holidays?

[beachlvr]

I'm going to subscribe. I've been doing Flylady for a little over 4 years. I still battle the clutter problem daily, though, since my kids and dh bring home lots of projects, papers, party toys, etc. And I don't do my daily routines as well as I should, although I can do the weekly room cleaning ones. Plus, it just seems like my house is too big to pick up every single day (2300 sq feet).

[Cativa]

Hello!

ME: Danielle (Cativa)
DH Stephen
Flying on-and-off since May
Size of home: 1400 sqaure foot (?) condo, 2 bed, 2 bath
PETS: Molly the ever-shedding golden retriever puppy, Bella the hamster, and Jasmine the fish
Work: FT - often over 40 hrs/week

I do real well for a few weeks...then fall off the wagon, so to speak for a few weeks....do well for a few weeks...then fall off. I'm hoping that joining here will help me stay on track :)

[dh5678]

I made a control journal pretty slowly and it's still not completely finished (which is okay). I don't use it every day but I check it for zone cleaning. It's in an old 3-ring notebook. I also use those plastic protector sheets.

Right now my control journal has my morning, after work and evening routines, weekly plans, some of the detailed zone cleaning lists, and emergency contact information.

As far as holiday cruising goes, I think I'll try to do it. The holidays will probably be low-key for us this year, but I think we'll have some visitors.

[eponymous]

I realized recently that my house is more like six zones and I'm so busy during the semester that it can take me two or three weeks to get even a basic zone done, so I adapted Flylady's plan to my house, and it's been working GREAT. I wanted to give that idea a plug in case it helps anyone else. Flylady wasn't working for me, but combining her basic philosophy with my cleaning needs has totally changed my house and destressed me - and that's always a good thing!

[dh5678]

Bumping this up -- anyone around?

[isign]

I'm glad you bumped this - I had forgotten about this. We're about to move into our first home and I'd like to start flying again. I love your pic - I want that in my house.

[ctjo]

I finally did a control journal! Sounds kind of like yours, dh5678 - not entirely complete but pretty good. It's working out great. I haven't used dividers yet, but I am using the sheet protectors. I like to cross things off using a dry erase marker, but it isn't always erasing so easily. I guess that is the only problem.

[Ali]

ctjo try using a Vis-a-vis marker instead. They are formulated for use with overhead projector transparencies, so the ink wil come off easily with damp cloth.

Here is an example:

http://www.officedepot.com/pictures/SK/MD/928333_sk_md.jpg

Sanford® EXPO® Vis-A-Vis® Fine-Point Wet-Erase Overhead Projection Pens, Assorted Colors, Pack Of 8

Heat-resistant colors won't fade. Smooth, even colors stay bright — even under heat of the lamp light! Brilliant ink dries quickly for excellent clarity and visibility. Ink is odorless and certified AP nontoxic.

Fine-point tip for clear, precise lines. Lines won't blur together! Pen point makes fine lines for clear, legible writing directly on transparencies.

Water-based ink for easy wipe-off. Water-based ink is easily removed from transparencies or laminated surfaces with damp cloth.

They are also sold individually. Available at office supply stores.

[Ali]

I'll join.

Name: Ali
FLYing since: Trying
Size of Home: 1000 sq. ft.
Work: 40+ hours per week, weekends off
Pets: Several

I am trying to adapt the system for myself. Looking at the website, it seems geared toward those who stay-at-home. Most of us don't. I don't need to dress to my shoes because, like other posters, I don't wear shoes in the house. I also don't need to clean my toilet bowl on a daily basis to show others that I love them.

The Fly-Lady comes across to me as a "people-pleaser" who needs lots of extrinsic motivation. I am not like that. I just want a clean house.

[Ali]

That said, I am reading the baby-steps portion of her website. I am not a baby-steps kind of girl. I like to look at the "big picture" first and then break it down into smaller steps.

So I am reading several days worth of baby steps at a time and jotting down notes.

So far, I have named my hotspots and I know I need to set aside a certain amount of time to work on these. TBD

I need to develop a morning, afternoon, and evening routine. I probably won't develop a morning routine because I am NOT a morning person. It's just not gonna happen.

Develop a control journal with a "family" calendar. Will do.

Spend X amount of minutes periodically decluttering. TBD

Set aside a certain amount of time for "relaxing" periodically. Not a problem.

Focus on a "zone" per week and do daily missions. This is my main goal. Although I may or may not do missions daily. I might save them up and do them all at once. We'll see....

[Ali]

This week is the Master Bedroom!

[philnikki]

I just joined online and am still learning how to "fly" :)

Name: Nikki
FLYing since: today!
Size of Home: 1200 sq ft. (townhome)
Work: Internal Auditor, 45 hrs per week and a 2 hr commute
I have one DD (born 8/23/05), 2 cats, and a lazy DH ;) lol

[Aletheia]

Hey Kitlyn!

Do you by any chance have anything typed up about your adaptation? I'd love to read more about it. I too want flylady to work for me, but since I'm only home 4 out of the 7 days each week, and DH spends the 3 days that I'm gone undoing what I did on the 4 I was there, I need a new plan. :)

Hang in there... the semester is almost over. I have only three weeks after Thanksgiving, and I hope your calendar is similar!

[guinevere]

Ali, she also has tips on her site for those who work full time. She calls them "Payroll SHEs".

I hope it's ok to post a link to those tips:
http://www.flylady.net/pages/FlyBaby_PayRollshes.asp

[ctjo]

Ali - thanks for the pen tips! I'll have to get some of those.

I also don't need to clean my toilet bowl on a daily basis to show others that I love them.

LOL! I agree. I modify a lot of what she has to fit my situation, but I guess that's the point.

I try to do the missions every night, but it doesn't usually happen, so I often will do several in one night (or all on Friday - since that's when I work from home and don't have to commute :)).

Well, good luck in the master bedroom everyone! I'm pretty much skipping it since we are going out of town today.

[greenbunny]

I am so far off the bandwagon it's not even funny. But I did grab a trash bag Sunday afternoon in a huff and do the 27 fling boogie, or whatever it's called. And I didn't even cheat and count each magazine as a separate thing, they were all one item. Pulling a tip here and a method there is a lot better for my needs. Her schedule really is for the SAHM. I'll check out the working person tips, thanks to guinevere for posting that link.

[Lauren]

I want to join! I stumbled onto this thread, and it looks like this may be a really useful system for someone who struggles to stay on top of the housework... FWIW, my DH is really helpful, but he is just not as much of a neat freak as I am. :p I'm looking forward to giving my kitchen sink a good scrubbing as my first step when I get home tonight! :)

Name: Lauren
FLYing since: 11/05
Size of Home: ~1700 sf
Work: Attorney, full-time ++

[dh5678]

Looking at the website, it seems geared toward those who stay-at-home. Most of us don't.

Yes, that's true but I still do what I can. I work usually 10 hours/day plus a few more hours at home depending on my day. I subscribed to the e-mails as a daily digest, because otherwise there's no way I can keep up with them (and I won't be checking the e-mails at work anyway). At minimum I'll do the morning and before bedtime routines. If I get a zone mission done, great. If not, I'll try to do zone work on weekends.

I think one of the biggest benefits for me from Flylady is learning to let go of stuff. I tend to be a pack rat and now I'm better at "flinging" things now. :D The zone system also helps me to focus on certain areas instead of trying to do everything at once.

[eponymous]

Do you by any chance have anything typed up about your adaptation?

Sure, I'd be happy to send it to you if you drop me an email or PM with your email address. I have to confess that it's not working great for me. I've been doing "binge cleaning" once a month using the checklists, but I just don't have time during the school year to clean!

Hang in there... the semester is almost over. I have only three weeks after Thanksgiving, and I hope your calendar is similar!

No - it's worse! Next week is our last week of classes (one paper, grade one assignment for the class I TA) and then finals (one take-home exam, thesis proposal, grade the final). I'd love another few weeks! Good luck to you as you move towards the end of your term.

[Ali]

This week is Zone 5: The Living Room

Currently I am thinking about routines and doing zone missions. I am also decluttering.

[Ali]

I've been working on the "weekly schedule" and I was wondering what other's "errand days" and "grocery shopping days" are.

I don't quite know when I want mine to be.

[tgr68]

Just ran across this thread!!

Name: Naamah
Flying Since: December 2005
Size of Home: 1800 sq ft home + carport
Work: SAHM w/ 8-hr week PT job

[ctjo]

My grocery day is normally on Friday, because that's when I work from home.

If it weren't for that, though, I'd probably pick Monday. The reason is that Monday is our trash day, so I could make my list on Sunday night while I clean out the fridge (and take out the trash).

As far as "errand day" goes? I don't really have an assigned day. It's usually easier for me to play that one by ear. I actually don't feel like I have that many errands? Who knows.

[lorialys]

Just joined flylady last night!!

Name: Lorene (lorialys)
FLYing since: December 2005
Size of Home: 4 bedroom, 2 bath
Work: SAHM

Off to go have lunch then clean my sink!!

[Ali]

Welcome!

I've fallen off the wagon lately. I guess it's time to get back on. I'm definitely doing the babysteps. I made a chart of my home and reworked the zones so that they made more sense for me, but I haven't gotten on a schedule yet, so I won't really know until that happens. Basically, I've combined my kitchen and dining room into one zone because they are basically one room, and my porch and foyer don't have anything in/on them to clean or take care of (they are both too narrow for "stuff"). So, zone 1 for me is going to be my filing cabinets and closets, etc.

I know that the idea is that the zones aren't supposed to cover the whole house, just the main (most used) areas, but my house is so small that the zones cover every single part of it (and every part of my house gets used on a daily basis, so it needs to be clean).

Anybody else?

[isign]

I dusted off my wings and am going to start flying again. We just bought an 1100 ft house, a big change from my tiny 2 bedroom apt. While it's not huge, we now also have a garage and alot more closet space. I need to learn how to keep it all clean.

[SwiftyOWB]

I have fallen off the wagon!! I am not doing it anymore b/c it made my husband insane!! We both work long days and by the time he gets home he just want s to relax. Maybe in the new year I will start again. I think it woul be so much easier if I was a SAHW!!

[Ali]

I know what you mean, Swifty. Some days I just don't have it in me. SO works 80+ hours a week, so he is no help. I get the hot spots semi-"cooled" and then he comes home and the hot-spot volcano EXPLODES all over the place! SIGH!

I am hoping that in time, I can train him to do a few minor things. It is an uphill battle though. His mom always did everything and/or hired a maid to do everything, so a sense of "household responsibility" has not yet been trained into him.

Currently, I am working on me. Still working on the control journal. I have given up on a daily schedule. It seems stupid to me. There are certain things I do every day because I HAVE to do them everyday. I really don't NEED to schedule them because I already know what they are and don't need to be reminded of them. I try to think that this would be a good thing to have in the event of children, but I am so far from having children, it's not even funny.

What I am doing instead is a daily/weekly/monthly/periodically checklist of household tasks that I will eventually use and print out instead. I also like the "master grocery list" idea and will eventually create one of those too. I am always forgetting things when I go to the store.

BABYSTEPS!

[tgr68]

Okay, so two weeks after joining FlyLady, I am finally shining my sink! :eek: "Why the wait?" you may ask. Well, there were so many dishes on the cabinets that I had no where to empty the sink dishes. :o Well, now the daunting task of catching up on dishes has been done and my sink is being shine!! :D

I skipped ahead to step two, and I've been getting dressed down to tying my shoes every morning, with the exception of today. :p

DH has really gotten on board with this! I'll do something, and he'll say "Would the FlyLady approve?" LOL!

[lorialys]

Naamah
I'm totally getting into it too. I'm on day 8 now. My DH thinks it is the greatest thing because he likes the house much cleaner than I have been able to keep it with our newborn!!

[espresso]

Hello all! I don't post much because I'm too busy. The only reason I even time to post is because my grad school is on Winter Break (thank goodness!). I need to FLY because otherwise my house just gets OUT OF CONTROL!



Question...how do the zones work? I have been reading emails and doing what she says but the only Zone work I see is in Kelly's missions...

[tgr68]

Shelley~She explains zones later in the baby steps. I highly recommend following those! I am only on Day3, but I've read through them and it seems like a good pace. I've been doing all my normal routines, and just adding/changing what FlyLady recommends on whatever day I am on. Good luck!

[Ali]

Shellslake, here are some links that might help you:

FlightPlan (http://flylady.net/pages/FlightPlan.asp)

Control Journal (http://flylady.net/pages/cjmain.asp)

TableOfContents (http://flylady.net/pages/TableOfContents.asp)

[Ali]

Also, I find that it is really best to start small. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming.

I have tried this system in the past and found that the emails overwhelmed me. So this time, I am not officially signing up, but I am doing what I can and going at my own pace. I have links to the website saved on my favorites, which I check when I feel the need or urge to. I am doing much better at sticking with some semblance of a program this time around.

[Astara]

I would like to join too!

I just joined fly lady last night and will be shining my sink today! I used to keep my house really clean but now that we have a 2mo. old my old habits that werent "family friendly" have been thrown out of the window & I've been trying to deep clean the whole house everyday. Of course I cant and there is still clutter so im really excited to try this out!

Stats:

Name: Jes (Astara)
Flying since: 12.22.05
Size of home: 3 stories + attic, 2 bdrm, 1 ba..sqf??
Work: SAHM

[lorialys]

Hey Jes, welcome!! I just started too, I'm on day 13. Have fun shining your sink!

Flylady has been so liberating for me. Our home is slowly getting cleaner and more clutter free. And I'm actually finding the time to decorate the house with all those items that were once clutter sitting on a shelf in a closet somewhere because I didn't feel like taking the time to find them a good place! In just 13 short days, our home is looking better than it ever has before!

[tgr68]

Welcome, Astra!!

Day 5 here! After 5 days, my MIL commented on how much cleaner the house seemed and that was ONLY after shining my sink! :eek: I may start on Kelly's missions that are in the daily emails in addition to the baby steps.

FlyLady has somehow helped me to clean my home while lowering my stress level. I am no longer struggle to catch up on dishes while letting the laundry build up and vice-versa. It is awesome!!! :D

[Astara]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! (ladies ;))

So I just got around to shining my sink.. waiting for the hour to get over with so I can finish! I think this might be just what I needed to get back in gear. Its nice to have some sort of an idea what your going to be doing instead of just doing stuff as you see it. I'd been feeling like a horrible housewife bc our house has been destroyed lately..(even when clean there's clutter) I felt kind of like my husband or anyone else could think 'you stay at home all day and this is all you can manage to do?"even though of course my DH probably doesnt... I think I just felt guilty. I told him about this last night and he did say that he thought it was a good idea and I know he would like to have a wonderfully clean house that everyone can feel good in~

[lady1297]

I'm not getting my emails anymore!! ARGH!! This is seriously deblitating me! Anyone know how to tell your internet provider (Verizon DSL) that flylady isn't spam??

[tgr68]

Do you have a place in your preferences where you can put "safe" addresses? That would be my first guess.

[lady1297]

I had that set up, but I'll double check. Grr...It's frustrating...

[motray36]

Subscribing :) I will be sink shining tonight in my apt...and again in 2 weeks wehen we move into our new home!

Name: Tracy (MOTRAY36)
Flying since: 12/28/05
Size of home: 1200 sq. feet
Work: FT marketing/event planning coordinator, grad class 1 night/week

[Ali]

BUMP!

I fell off the horse over the holidays. In order to get back into the groove, I shined my sink last night. It's the first time I did it the Fly Lady way. It does look nice, but to be honest, I acheive the same shiny results much faster with 409. Just a tip for those in a hurry. My kitchen sink is stainless by the way.

I am also re-organizing my lingerie chest.

I bought two new calendars to face the new year. I plan on entering my zones in on at least one of them. One is a monthly calendar and one is a daily/weekly calendar.

Good luck everybody.

[LynzeyAHL]

I signed up way long ago and fell off the horse with the move but when I was signed up I was SOOOOO overwhelmed with the number of emails that I just resorted to the ways I used to get things done...

TIPS?

[Ali]

I was never able to "get with the program" in the past because I was overwhelmed with all the emails. So this time I did not "officially" sign up. Instead, I bookmarked the pages of the website that I was interested in, and I pull them up when I feel like it. Maybe this will work better for you.

[lady1297]

I got kicked off the list of emails and it's making my life harder. I really wish they'd send them. It was like my mom standing behind me telling me to clean my room! :) lol! Anyway, I need to kick start myself for this year. I fell off the wagon there for awhile and now need to get back on. I still haven't done my weekly blessing. MUST get going!

[tgr68]

I fell off the horse over the holidays, but I somehow managed to keep my sink shining!! :eek: DH is helping me get some stuff finished up tonight, though, so maybe I could get the ball rolling again.

[PinkGirl]

I'd like to join! I haven't started my internship yet, so I've had time every day to clean and stay on top of laundry. That's going to change next week when I start working full-time!

Name: Anne (PinkGirl)
Flying Since: January 2006
Size of Home: ~1000 sqf
Work: 40 hours a week
Pets: 1 Golden Retriever, 2 hamsters

[dh5678]

Posted by LynzeyAHL:
I signed up way long ago and fell off the horse with the move but when I was signed up I was SOOOOO overwhelmed with the number of emails that I just resorted to the ways I used to get things done...

TIPS?

Have you thought about signing up for the daily digest form of the e-mails? I don't check my e-mail every day, so that's what I did.

Also, I try to focus on basics: shining my sink, and the morning and before bedtime routines.

Hope this helps!

[LynzeyAHL]

humm didn't know they had one how do I do that?

[Janey]

I need to join... err rejoin, or something. This is/was me on July 12, before a change of username and marital status:

Name: KJ (KJH924)
Flying Since: July 12, 2005
Size of Home: Currently 850 SF Apartment; soon-to-be in 1700 SF house + Garage.
Work: Currently 3 days/week; soon-to-be SAHW.
Pets: Bailey & Macaroni - 2 cats

New Information:

Name: MrsHill (MRSHILL)
Flying Since: Jan 05
Size of Home: 1700 SF house + Garage
Work: SAHW
Pets: Bailey & Macaroni - 2 cats

I was always so excited to become a SAHW. This seemed like the ultimate career to me. I'd have time to run the errands, do the shopping, do things that we wouldn't have time for otherwise, and the house would always be clean! On top of which, I would finally have time to go to the gym every day! Hooray for me! I'd be thin, fit, and healthy!

Well, I'm at the highest weight I've been at in 2 years, and the house is not always clean. I don't feel like a very good SAHW. B still helps with the laundry. He doesn't mind, in fact he's always happy to help out. I 'assigned' him the cat box & the garbage last night and he did it after very little grumbling. But the laundry? And the dishes? Man. I should really have this stuff under control before he gets home. Otherwise, what am I doing? The though 'maybe I should get another job' crosses my mind fairly often. But I don't want another job! I want to be good at the job I've got.

And here's the part that really scares me: We're planning to TTC in June. If I can't keep the house clean when I don't even have kids yet... what're things going to look like when we do have kids?!

Here's to hoping the FLYLady system helps me get some control back into my house... and life.

[dh5678]

To change your e-mail settings, you need to log in to Yahoo Groups. That will show the list of your groups. I believe if you click on the name of the group you can change the settings (daily digest, individual e-mails, etc.).

Welcome MrsHill!